WILLIAMS have been bought by an American investment firm – but the team will stay in Oxfordshire.

The Grove-based constructor have been acquired by US-based Dorilton Capital after they were put up for sale in May.

It came after they posted losses of £13m last year.

They will still race under the same name, but will not be owned by the Williams family for the first time in their 43-year history.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams, whose father Sir Frank Williams founded the team alongside Sir Patrick Head in 1977, is optimistic ahead of a new chapter.

She said: “This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family owned team, but we know it is in good hands.

“The sale ensures the team’s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.”

Williams have won nine constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles, but have struggled in recent seasons and are yet to score a point after six races of the 2020 campaign.