The Williams team heads for next weekend's Australian Grand Prix with heavy hearts following the news that the wife of founder Sir Frank Williams has lost her🎉 battle with cancer.

A short statement issued by the team c🔯onfirmed Lady Virginia's passing after a lengthy struggle🍸 against the disease.

"It is with gre💜at sadness that today we report the🎃 death of Lady Virginia Williams, wife of Williams founder and team principal Sir Frank Williams," the team confirmed.

"Lady Virginia, or 'Ginny' as she was b🍒etter known, died peacefully at the family home last night surrounded by Frank and the rest of the Williams family. Ginny had been bravely battling cancer for the past two-and-a-half years.

"Ginny will always be an integral part of Williams' history and success, and today we pay tribute to a much loved member of the Williams family who will be sorely m🎶issed. Please respect the famil๊y's wishes for privacy at this time."

Crash Media Group extends its condolences to Sir Frank and rest of the W🍸illiams family.