The Williams F1 Team has announced that Claire Williams, daughter of Team Principal Sir Frank Williams, has been appointed to the newly-created position of Deputy Team Principal, effective immediately.

In this new role, Claire Williams will work alongside her father in running the day-to-day operations of the team, as well as planning its long-term strategy. The position also creates a clear path of succession for the team, as it’s not clear how much longer Sir Frank Williams will remain as Team Principal.

With a life spent immersed in Formula One racing, Claire Williams is perhaps the most qualified individual in the world to take over operation of the Williams F1 Team. Her past roles within the organization have included Head of Communications, Head of Investor Relations and her current position, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Of the appointment, Sir Frank Williams said, “Over the past decade Claire has worked tirelessly for Williams. Her knowledge of the sport and passion for the team is unquestionable... With Claire being appointed Deputy Team Principal, I know the future of Williams is in extremely safe hands.”

The Williams F1 Team had planned to announce the appointment prior to the start of the 2013 F1 season, but the illness and subsequent passing of Lady Virginia Williams (Frank Williams’ wife and Claire Williams’ mother) delayed the announcement to give the Williams family privacy.

Of her new role, Claire Williams says that, “It will be a privilege to play a part in taking the team into what I hope will be a successful next chapter.”