F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

15:31, 26 Nov

byOlly Darcy

Williams team principal James Vowles will make a stunning return to racing by taking part in the upcoming Gulf 12 Hours event at the Yas Marina Circuit.

"The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish."

- James Vowles

The Williams team boss will get behind the wheel for Garage 59, a multiple championship-winning British motor racing team, driving a McLaren 720S GT3.

Garage 59 founder and 2024 Gulf 12 Hour Pro-Am winner Alexander West will be racing alonside Vowles, along with International GT Open drivers Mark Sansom and Marco Pulcini.

The endurance GT race will take place a week after the season finale of the 2025 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, serving as the GT season finale on Sunday, December 14.

James Vowles in action at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed - Photo: Race Pictures

"The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish," Vowles explained.

"Garage 59 is a team I know well from our time together in 2022, and the Gulf 12 Hours is a fantastic event with a competitive grid.

"It will be a pleasure to share the car with Alex, Mark and Marco, and to experience racing from the driver's seat again."

Vowles' returns to racing and reunites with Garage 59

As mentioned by Vowles, he has previously raced with Garage 59, taking part in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series, scoring two points in the #59 McLaren that the team entered.

"We thoroughly enjoyed working with James during the 2022 Asian Le Mans campaign," said Garage 59 team principal Andrew Kirkaldy.

"His approach and professionalism, and of course his knowledge of strategy, made it a very enjoyable collaboration. Bringing him back for the Gulf 12 Hours is something we're all excited about, and we're looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in Abu Dhabi."

James Vowles during the Singapore Grand Prix press conference on Friday - Photo: Race Pictures

James Vowles has impressed as Williams' boss, leading the British team to 121 points with just two race weekends remaining in 2025 - Photo: Race Pictures

The Gulf 12 Hours will be the first time the Brit has taken part in a competive race since becoming Williams team boss in 2023.

2025 has already been a fine year for Vowles, highlighted by his contract extension as Williams team principal in June. The 46-year-old is also guiding the British team towards its highest points in nine years, sitting just 17 points off the tally scored in 2016.

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