Williams Racing has secured its Team Principal James Vowles with a new long-term contract.
Since taking the helm in 2023 after a distinguished career leading race strategy at multiple championship-winning Mercedes, the 45-year-old Vowles has spearheaded what the Grove-based team describes as a complete overhaul and transformation.
Under Vowles` leadership, Williams has shown significant progress. In the current Constructors` Championship, they hold fifth position, having accumulated 55 points across 10 races. This performance already represents their best points haul in a single season since 2017.
Expressing his commitment, Vowles stated, “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing. This team has felt like home from the moment I arrived.” He added, “This iconic team has already given me some incredible memories and we are all united in our ambition to build on our legacy and win World Championships again.”
Vowles further commented on the team`s strategic direction: “Over the past two years we have focused on fixing the foundations, and now have a platform to go for glory in the years to come.”
Notably, Vowles played a crucial role in attracting four-time race winner Carlos Sainz to the team for 2025, successfully competing against other teams for the Spaniard`s signature following his departure from Ferrari. Sainz will form an impressive driver lineup alongside Alex Albon.
Matthew Savage, chairman of the team owners Dorilton Capital, conveyed his excitement regarding Vowles` renewed commitment to the team`s mission. Savage highlighted Vowles` “experience, energy and strategic leadership” in the pursuit of returning Williams to winning ways.
“We aren`t there yet but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead,” Savage commented.
Williams` Bid to Return to the Front
The legendary Williams team, which last tasted victory in 2012 and won the last of their 16 world titles in 1997, had dropped towards the back of the F1 grid in the years leading up to Vowles` arrival. However, they immediately improved to finish seventh in the standings during his first year (2023).
Despite implementing changes at their base the following winter, which saw them initially slip back to ninth place in early 2024, they have since enjoyed a strong start to the current season, scoring points in all but two races. This has quickly surpassed their total points from the previous three seasons combined.
The team`s current performance is particularly noteworthy as they have openly stated that a significant focus is already placed on car development for 2026, when major changes to F1`s chassis and engine regulations are set to be introduced.
Williams will continue their partnership with Mercedes for their power units into this new era of Formula 1 regulations.
