F1 in Schools has recruited Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director of the Williams F1 team, to its roster of patrons from the F1 community.

Williams joins Monisha Kaltenborn, Martin Whitmarsh, Adrian Newey, Ross Brawn; Mike Gascoyne and Rob Smedley.

"I am delighted to have become a Patron for F1 in Schools," said Williams. "The tasks that all participating students have to go through to establish their own Formula One team during the Challenge not only exposes them to the type of work required for creating, producing and running a team such as Williams, but also equips them with a variety of life skills. It will be fascinating for us to see first-hand what the designers, engineers and marketers of the future come up with year after year."

"We are very grateful to Claire for agreeing to support F1 in Schools and as a role model for aspiring F1 professionals," added Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of F1 in Schools, "I know that she will be an inspiration to all our F1 in Schools participants. We value the role that Claire can play with her wide-ranging experience within Formula 1 and her natural ability to engage with young people who are passionate about forging a career in the industry."

Williams entered the sport following further education. After graduating from Newcastle University in 1999 with a degree in Politics, she began her career in the motorsport industry when she joined Silverstone Circuit as a press officer in 2000. Growing up in the sport, it is perhaps unsurprising that Williams would eventually enter the family business. Working in the Race Office during school holidays, she was a regular behind the scenes at Williams from an early age before joining the team full time in 2002 in the role of Communications Officer. She was promoted to the role of Head of Communications in 2010, and was duly responsible for all internal and external communications surrounding Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC.

After Williams floated on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in March 2011, Williams took on the position of Head of Investor Relations to supplement her role in the communications team. On the 1st April 2012 she was appointed Director of Marketing and Communications, and took a place on the company board. In this role Williams has taken the lead on partner acquisitions, marketing and communications.

In March 2013, she stepped up to the position of Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director for the Williams F1 Team. In this role Williams works alongside Founder and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams to play a pivotal role in the day to day running and long term development of the race team.