Wiliams has announced that Team Principal James Vowles has signed a “long-term contract” to stay with the Grove-based Formula 1 squad.
Vowles, who joined the team in 2023, having been a longstanding strategist with Mercedes, has overseen a significant upturn in the team’s fortunes, turining it from backmarkers to current midfield challengers.
In a statement released by Williams, Vowles said: “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing, which has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door.
“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.
“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.”
Chairman of Williams and its backer Dorilton Capital, Matthew Savage, said: “We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and committed his future to completing the mission that we are on together.
“He has brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the task of restoring Williams to the top step of the podium.
“We aren’t there yet but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead.”
From title-winning strategist to Team Principal
Vowles began his F1 career with BAR in 2001, and remained with the team as it transitioned to Honda, Brawn and then Mercedes.
With Brawn, Vowles was Chief Strategist, and helped the one-season wonders take a momentous World Championship victory in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’, spearheaded on track by Jenson Button.
When Ross Brawn sold the outfit after just a year to Mercedes, Vowles continued in his post, helping the team to eight straight Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ titles with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the wheel.
After four years as Motorsport Strategy Director, Vowles left Mercedes at the end of 2022 to join Williams as its Team Principal.
The team had suffered years of difficulty amid its sale to Dorilton Capital, the first time the team had not been owned by the Williams family itself.
Vowles replaced German Jost Capito in the role, and has overseen a steadily forward trajectory, with the team now enjoying status as one of the leading teams in the midfield, having also been able to attract Carlos Sainz to the team.
Williams currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.
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