Williams have appointed James Vowles as their new F1 Team Principal in a move from Mercedes for the Brit.
Vowles will become Williams’ third Team Principal after Frank Williams and Jost Capito, with the latter having departed his role at end of 2022 season.
“I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It’s an honour to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge,” commented Vowles on his move to Williams.
Vowles also praised Williams for placing “faith and trust” in him to lead the team forward as he iterated the “tremendous potential,” with the team with Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant as drivers, plus a strong driver academy including Zak O’Sullivan and Franco Colapinto amongst others.
Vowles has previously worked in F1 for 21 years across BAR, Honda, Brawn GP and Mercedes, where he was most recently Motorsport Strategy Director, after previously fulfilling various engineering and strategy roles for the Silver Arrows.
During his time in F1, Vowles has contributed to nine constructor titles – of which eight came at Mercedes between 2014 – 2021 – plus over 120 race victories.
Vowles also acknowledged Mercedes’ support for his move to Williams as he insisted that he is “grateful for everything” which Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff and the team provided him for over 12 years at Brackley on top of “special experience” together with much success.
Dorilton Capital Chairman, Matthew Savage said that he is “delighted” to welcome Vowles to the team on behalf of Dorilton Capital, as he described the Brit as “one of the most highly respected talents in Formula 1 and will bring performance.”
Wolff meanwhile issued a lengthy “naturally sad” tribute to Vowles as he described the 43 year-old as “a highly valued member” at Mercedes who is “diligent, capable and talented”, with “an integral part in our success in recent years.”
On what Vowles’ departure means for Mercedes, Wolff added that his work within the strategy team at Brackley last season ensures that there is “a fantastic group of talented strategists who will continue their superb work in the years to come.”
Wolff also iterated that by joining one of Mercedes’ customer teams in Williams, Vowles possesses “all the necessary skills to become a fantastic Team Principal in Formula One.”
Vowles will commence his new role at Williams on 20 February 2023.
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