James Vowles new team principal at Williams

Chief Stable Strategist Mercedes and member of the Brackley team even before its takeover by Mercedes, James Vowles left the star brand and joined Williams. As of February 20, he will indeed become the fourth team principal in the history of the team, after Frank Williams, Claire Williams and Jost Capito. 

Between the Manufacturer's title obtained with Brawn GP and the eight others gleaned within the Mercedes team, the 43-year-old Briton has overseen nearly 120 victories in Formula 1, playing an essential role, particularly in terms of strategy. “I can't wait to get started with Williams Racing, he expressed in the press release. It’s an honor to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, a team that I respect enormously, and I look forward to the challenge.", James said. 

James Vowles, from shadow to light 

Difficult, naturally, in view of the recent history which links Mercedes and Williams but also James Vowles and Toto wolff, not to imagine that an even more important rapprochement is being made via this appointment between the two teams. The boss of the Mercedes team even made his little comment on the appointment of Vowles. “Having worked with him since I joined the team in 2013, I know how diligent, capable and talented he is and have derived great satisfaction from watching James develop and grow over the past decade .” 

Join us in saying a huge welcome to our new Team Principal! 🤩

We are delighted to announce that James Vowles is coming onboard to lead the team. We're looking forward to him joining our journey from 20th Feb! 👋
#WeAreWilliams

- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) January 13, 2023

“We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing. He is one of the most respected talents in Formula 1 and will bring performance, explained Dorilton Capital boss Matthew Savage. “He has played a key role in some of the sport’s most impressive feats over the past 15 years. As we continue our relentless pursuit of results, we believe James’ appointment strengthens our resolve to ensure we have energetic, experienced and strong leadership as we enter the next phase of transformation of Williams Racing.” 

As a reminder, Williams finished last in the Manufacturers' standings in 2022, and intends to relaunch in 2023 after replacing Nicholas latifi by Logan sargeant, alongside Alex Albon. For Vowles, who was nevertheless imagined as the successor to Toto Wolff in the years to come, it is time to take off. 

ALSO READ > Jost Capito leaves Williams Racing