It was on this day in 1986 that celebrated Formula One boss, Sir Frank Williams, suffered the near-fatal car accident in France which would render him a quadriplegic.

Born in County Durham, Williams enjoyed a brief career as a driver and a mechanic before founding his own Formula 1 team in 1969, securing a maiden Grand Prix win 10 years later.

At the height of the Williams’ team success in 1986, Frank lost control of a rented Ford Sierra on the way to Nice Airport and suffered a serious spinal fracture as his vehicle spiralled on its side into a field. The extent of his injuries meant he has been wheelchair-bound ever since.

Despite his injuries, Williams oversaw numerous Formula One Drivers and Constructors Championships over the next decade and has since collected a series of personal awards and accolades, including a knighthood in 1999.

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