James Vowles: Who is the new Williams F1 team principal?

On Friday afternoon, Williams confirmed that James Vowles will become their new F1 team principal on February 20th, 2023. Vowles is one of the most successful team personnel in Formula 1's recent history, but who is he? 

A long time in Formula 1 

Vowles was born in East Sussex, England in 1979. Despite only being 43, the Brit has plenty of experience to lean on when he starts his new role next month. After studying various science courses at University, Vowles went straight into Formula 1 in 2001. 

He joined BAR (British American Racing) in 2001 when Jacques Villeneuve and Oliver Panis were at the wheel of a Honda-powered car. In 2003, Jenson Button joined the team in what would become a very successful relationship later down the line. Working in key strategy roles, Vowles helped push the team forward. Towards the end of BAR's time in Formula 1, the team picked up two pole positions and finished second to Ferrari in the 2004 F1 World Championship. 

Things didn't go as well at the start of the 2005 season but Vowles stayed with the team when Honda bought them. The team returned in 2006 under the Honda name, bringing them back to the grid as a full constructor for the first time in over 35 years. Success was found almost straight away. 

2006 Hungarian Grand Prix

Honda driver Button started on the grid in 14th place but moved rapidly to P4 by lap seven. From then, it was a strategic masterclass with the help of the Michelin tyres in wet conditions. Jenson Button became a beneficiary of the safety car. He opted not to pit during the safety car period and climbed up to 2nd place behind Alonso. This allowed him to attack the reigning world champion but eventually needed more fuel. A pitstop mistake for Alonso caused him to crash out of the event on lap 51 of 70. 

Button inherited the lead from there. Michael Schumacher had the potential to threaten, but couldn't really challenge the Brit. In those wet/drying conditions, a good set of tyres and strategy, Honda were able to claim their first win since 1967. They were forced to wait until Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing joined forces for their next victory. 

The teams' performance in 2007 and 2008 wasn't as positive. It then looked like the team would end their journey after the 2008 season, but Ross Brawn bought the team in 2009 and started Brawn GP. Vowles was therefore part of one of the most famous stories in Formula 1 history. The team went from not having a place on the grid, to winning the World Championship within less than 12 months. This was Vowles' first World Championship victory. 

Mercedes

Mercedes then took control for the 2010 season. The team didn't experience success straight away but from 2014-2021, they won every single Constructrors' Championship and all but one Drivers' Championship. Vowles was a key member of the team for those wins. Over the last four years, Vowles has been Mercedes' Motorsport Strategy Director. 

Vowles has overseen more than 120 race victories in his F1 career. Although Mercedes were beaten by Red Bull and Max Verstappen in recent years, Vowles still knows how to get the job done. He will be a key part of lifting Williams back up the grid and could provide them with solid Mercedes knowledge.