Team Principal James Vowles has signed a new long-term contract with Williams Racing. The Brit joined the historic racing team in 2023, after a successful career at Mercedes. To date, he is only the third team principal in the team’s 48-year history. For comparison, Alpine has gone through five managers in the past five years. Under Vowles’ leadership, Williams is steadily making a comeback in Formula 1, with the ultimate goal – of course – of a new world title.
An early birthday present for James Vowles. The British team principal celebrates his 46th birthday on Friday, but on Thursday he was already rewarded with a new contract. Two years ago, Vowles moved from Mercedes, where he played a key role in securing no less than nine constructors’ titles and more than 120 race victories. At Williams, such honours remain a future prospect, but the team is working hard to lay a solid foundation for future successes.
These foundations are already starting to bear fruit in the current Formula 1 season. With Alex Albon and newcomer Carlos Sainz, Williams has a strong line-up and is experiencing its best season start since 2016. The team is currently fifth in the constructors’ championship with 55 World Championship points – more than in the three previous seasons combined. This revival is largely attributed to Vowles’ leadership, reason enough for the team to extend his contract.
“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Williams,” Vowles responded in an official press release. “My first day with this team felt like coming home. This iconic racing team has already brought me fantastic memories, and we are all united in our ambition to build on our history and win titles again. Over the past two years, we have worked on restoring the foundations, and now we have a platform to compete for success in the coming years.”
