However, when Ron Dennis, who had merged his Project 4 outfit with McLaren in a bid to revitalise it, persuaded Ojjeh to finance the fledgling Porsche turbo engine to power the Woking effort, the investor began an association that would last for the rest of his life.
Ojjeh ultimately stopped sponsoring Williams and threw his financial full weight behind McLaren, which first came in the form of TAG-Porsche engine, before he became a shareholder in the team.
His financing and contribution to the direction of the team helped it win drivers’ titles with Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen and Lewis Hamilton, in addition to seven constructors’ championships.
Ojjeh struggled with ill health during his later life, eventually passing earlier this month.
Lando Norris paid tribute to the investor after finishing 5th in Baku two weeks ago, whilst Pato O’Ward dedicated his IndyCar win last weekend in Detroit to him in his post-race interview.