Keynote SpeakersClaire Williams OBE is a former Formula One team boss and inspirational speaker, sharing insights on leadership, teamwork, resilience and success in F1.
Claire led the Williams Formula 1 racing team until 2020, making her one of only two women to head a Formula 1 team in the modern era.
Under her leadership, Williams F1 finished 3rd in the Constructors’ World Championship in 2014 and 2015, the team’s best performance since 2003.
Today she is a global Brand Ambassador for WAE Technologies, formerly Williams Advanced Engineering, which focuses on decarbonising heavy transport by developing advanced, sustainable, green technologies.
Her late father, Sir Frank Williams, founded the Williams Grand Prix Engineering F1 team, winning nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships.
Claire Williams graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Politics in 1999 before starting her career as a Press Officer for Silverstone Circuit.
Williams F1 Deputy Team Principal:
In 2002, she joined the Williams team as Communications Officer, rose to Head of Communications and Head of Investor Relations, and was appointed Commercial Director in 2012.
When Frank Williams stepped down later that year, Claire became the Williams family representative on the company’s board. In March 2013, she became Deputy Team Principal, the de facto team leader responsible for the team’s development and day-to-day running. Sir Frank Williams retained the Team Principal title to recognise his founding role and a lifetime of dedication to Williams Racing.
Claire Williams has been among the most prominent and successful women in recent Formula 1 history. After taking the team to successive third-place finishes in the Constructors’ Championships in her second and third years in charge, Claire kept the team in the top 5 in 2016 and 2017.
During her tenure, Claire was a keen advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within Williams Racing and across the sport as a whole. She acted as the catalyst to give Susie Wolff a chance to become the first female racing driver to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend since 1992.
As Vice President of the Spinal Injuries Association, Claire also encouraged spinal cord-injured individuals to join the team and created workplace opportunities for wheelchair users. In April 2023, she launched the Sir Frank Williams Academy, which aims to provide life-changing care for spinal cord-injured people, a charitable initiative which has received support from the Williams Racing team.
Claire Williams was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours List in recognition of her services to Formula One.
Claire Williams OBE – F1 Speaker:
Since successfully negotiating the sale of the Williams F1 team in 2020, Claire has consulted for brands entering Formula 1 and is a popular speaker at corporate events, where she shares insights on leading high-performing teams and leadership.
Claire discusses her experience leading the Williams Racing Formula 1 team and shares insights into the changes and challenges she faced as one of only two women to lead an F1 team in the modern era.
Claire is available for Q&A-led sessions and Fireside Chats.
