Updated:
Jan 13, 2023
Mercedes’ chief strategist James Vowles has just been announced as Williams Team Principal. Succeeding former principal Jost Capito, Vowles takes on a range of new responsibilities. After a decade in Mercedes, he finally makes the move ahead of the 2023 season to Williams. While there were certainly many options for the role, there is no doubt that Vowles will make a brilliant impact and truly utilise his knowledge to elevate the team.
Vowles has contributed to many of Mercedes’ dominant cars and perhaps some of the very best cars ever developed in Formula 1. If there is anyone who could create a championship-winning car, it is Vowles. Although it is a shame to see him leave Mercedes, it will be an honour to watch him further his career at Williams. Williams and Mercedes have a long-standing relationship, and it is no surprise that Vowles would leave to work with Williams.
In a press release, Vowles says “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”. While he may be missed at Mercedes, I’m sure everyone is excited to see what he will get up to at Williams.