Williams will be paying their respects to Daniel Cracknell in Abu Dhabi, after the 20-year-old apprentice sadly lost his life last weekend in a motorbike accident.
The young apprentice worked for Williams Racing in the prototype and testing sector of the team as he made his way up the career ladder in Formula One.
The team have released a statement after learning about his tragic passing, revealing that the flag at the team’s headquarters is currently flying at half mast, while all trackside employees in Abu Dhabi will be wearing black armbands over the weekend.
“Williams Racing is devastated at the loss of Dan Cracknell, an apprentice from the team who tragically lost his life last weekend at the age of 20 following a road traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time,” said a Williams spokesperson.
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Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi will be looking to honour the 20-year-old on track at the Yas Marina circuit, while every member of the trackside team will make sure that the presence of the young apprentice is felt with their armbands in tribute to the young apprentice.
Daniel’s former Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form from Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham have released a joint statement upon receiving the tragic news of his passing.
“We were extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the death of a former student, Daniel Cracknell, following a motorbike accident,” they began.
“Dan attended Prince Henry’s from 2015 to 2020; after leaving school Dan gained an apprenticeship at the Williams Formula One team in their Prototype and Test department.
“Today, flags at the Williams site have been at half mast, the team staff will be wearing black armbands at the forthcoming Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi this weekend and the race cars will bear his name.
“One of our senior prefects during 2019-20, Dan played a full and active part in school life, including supporting other students as a Maths Buddy and being an enthusiastic member of the Vex Robotics Group.
“Mr’s Cox, who was his form tutor in Years 12 and 13, remember someone with a tremendous sense of humour who always enjoyed getting involved in group activities during tutor time.
“His subject teachers commented upon what a hard-working, excellent and talented student he was.
“In short, Dan was a wonderful student who made a great contribution to school life and exemplified all of the values that are so important to us at Prince Henry’s.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with Daniel’s family at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”
No details have been provided on the nature on Daniel’s accident so far, but Williams are doing an honourable job in mourning the passing of their young apprentice.
The thoughts of everyone at Formula1news.co.uk are with Daniel’s loved ones during this deeply upsetting time.