Williams F1 confirms James Vowles will remain as team principal, marking a new chapter in their Formula 1 resurgence and leadership journey.
James Vowles will continue his long-term journey with Williams F1, following an announcement made by the team earlier this afternoon.
The team, now managed by Dorilton Capital since its sale by the Williams family, has been steadily progressing, with even some rather unexpected results this year, as Vowles has long been steering the focus toward 2026.
It is therefore no great surprise that the board of directors has renewed its trust in Vowles for the coming years.
Vowles began his Formula 1 career as an engineer at British American Racing (BAR) in Brackley, which later became Honda Racing F1 Team, then Brawn GP, and finally Mercedes F1.
He claimed his first title in 2009 with Jenson Button and Brawn GP, before becoming strategy director and going on to accumulate, from 2014 onwards, eight constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles. In 2022, when Toto Wolff ultimately decided to remain long-term as Mercedes F1 Team Principal after a period of reflection, this led Vowles—who had been groomed as his successor—to chart his own path by accepting, on January 13, 2023, the role of Team Principal at Williams Racing, succeeding Jost Capito.
“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing, and I felt at home from the moment I arrived. This iconic team has already given me incredible memories, and we are all united in our ambition to carry on our legacy and once again win world championships. Over the past two years, we have focused on laying strong foundations, and we now have a solid base to aim for glory in the years to come.”
Matthew Savage, Chairman of Atlassian Williams Racing and Dorilton Capital, added: “We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and has committed his future to delivering the mission we are pursuing together. He has brought his experience, energy, and strategic leadership to guide Williams back to the top step of the podium. We’re not there yet, but we can feel the momentum building in Grove, and we are excited about what lies ahead.”