Former official Ferrari driver, Jonathan Williams only competed in one F1 Grand Prix, in 1967 in Mexico. Enzo Ferrari, needing drivers, called upon him to support Chris Amon. The latter experiencing technical issues at the practice, Williams gave him his car. In the race on Sunday, Williams finished just ahead of...Amon!
Despite his successful stint, the British driver returned to F2, the American CanAm championship, and to endurance, taking the start of the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans for the team of the film "Le Mans." That year it was a disaster among the competitors, with only seven out of 51 cars managing to rank. Though the No. 29 Porsche did not rank (it failed to race the minimum distance), it still finished in ninth place!
Deeply affected by the death of his friend Piers Courage at the 1970 Grand Prix of the Netherlands, Williams abandoned motorsports to become a corporate airline pilot. Since retired, he could still sometimes be found pacing the F1 paddocks.
To his family and loved ones, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest expresses its sincerest condolences.
Cécile Bonardel /ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO