5 things to know about James Vowles, one of the revelations of 2023

“Valtteri, this is James…”, the man who whispered in Bottas’ ear

Director of the strategy department at Mercedes from 2018 until his departure, the Briton never hesitated to take responsibility when difficult situations arose in the past. The 2018 Russian Grand Prix is ​​also the most famous moment concerning the radio messages sent by the Briton.

While Valtteri Bottas was a position in front of a Lewis Hamilton who played the championship against Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), decision was taken to ask the Finn to let his teammate pass in order to avoid any attack by the German on the Briton.

Faced with the clear and clear slackness displayed by Bottas, James Vowles short-circuited the dialogue between Valtteri and his engineer to impose himself on the radio by delivering his message, which began with the following injunction which has become famous: “Valtteri, this is James (it’s James).” “There was a big risk with Lewis against Vettel, he had a bit of a blister. I had to do it to secure the situation” he justified himself afterwards.

Since that day, every time Valtteri Bottas heard “Valtteri, this is James”, the driver who now plays under the colors ofAlfa Romeo knew that was not a good sign at all! After his victory in Japan in 2019, the Finn, in a touch of humor, congratulated his strategist by starting with: “James, this is Valtteri” which made the entire Mercedes garage smile.

“James, it’s Valtteri…” 📻🔄

That was cheeky, @ValtteriBottas 🫣#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/EM9WaKRxVz

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 5, 2022

James Vowles…pilot in his spare time!

Curious and a jack of all trades, James Vowles has always jumped at the slightest opportunity to get behind the wheel. But last winter 2022, he even took on an even more important challenge by lining up at the start of the Asian Le Mans Series in Endurance, within the Garage59 team, alongside Nicolai Kjaergaard and Manuel Maldonado.

“I drive GT3s for fun, but also for my personal experience, he told us between the two rounds of the 4 Hours of Dubai last winter. I think you should always push your limits and get out of your comfort zone for your personal development. I love car racing. I've been in Formula 1 for twenty years and I always try to drive in different categories for fun, but this is the most serious step I've been able to take. The Asian Le Mans Series is an incredible championship with many excellent drivers.”

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He was crucial to Jenson Button's championship title

After starting his career as an engineer at British American Racing (BAR) and the Honda F1 Team in the 2000s, Vowles rose to prominence when the team became Brawn GP under contact with Ross Brawn. The Englishman was employed as a strategic race engineer.

During the year 2009, marked by the discovery of the double broadcaster of Brawn GP, ​​Vowles was decisive on the wall to allow Jenson Button to obtain his one and only world champion title. The following year, Brawn GP became Mercedes and Vowles remained loyal to Brackley until this winter. He was also instrumental in the 7 drivers’ and 8 manufacturers’ world championship titles, gleaned by the brand with the star.

James Vowles celebrates Brawn GP titles in 2009. © DPPI

Dubbed by Toto Wolff

It is rare that the departure of an important member of a top team is without fanfare. Perhaps Vowles' base - in a renowned team close to Mercedes - undoubtedly helped, but Toto wolff had only good words for the man who had been his strategic pillar for all these years in Brackley. His official right arm.

“Having worked with him since I joined the team in 2013, I know how diligent, capable and talented he is. I have derived great satisfaction from watching James develop and grow over the past decade, explained the Austrian last winter when the latter left. I am convinced that he will make a great team principal”. If the boss says so!

James has been a key part of the Team over the past decade, playing an integral role in our success in recent years. We are delighted that he will take this next step in his career. 👏 pic.twitter.com/6Zm2Oy3rpt

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) January 13, 2023

He speaks French

Born in West Sussex near Felbridge (UK), Vowles had on paper no reason to master the language of Molière. And yet, he has a very solid level to the point of being able to give interviews in French.

A language that he learned during his studies at the international school of Geneva (Switzerland). At Mercedes, almost the entire staff masters French, since Toto Wolff, the team boss, and Bradley Lord, the head of communications, also master it.

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