James Vowles signs new multi-year contract to remain at the helm of the Williams team
James Vowles will remain Williams' Formula 1 Team Principal for the next few years after signing a new multi-year contract with the team.
This announcement comes as Williams is experiencing its best start to an F1 season since 2016, with 55 points scored by Alex Albon and new recruit Carlos Sainz, allowing the team to rise to fifth place in the Constructors' Championship.
A long-term extension
James Vowles joined Williams in January 2023 after a long career at Mercedes as the chief strategist, where he helped secure seven drivers' titles and eight constructors' titles.
Since he succeeded Jost Capito as head of the team, James Vowles has undertaken a complete restructuring of internal operations.
Under his leadership, Williams managed to attract Carlos Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner, and to sign a new title sponsor with the software giant Atlassian.
In a statement, Williams said that the renewal of James Vowles' contract would ensure leadership stability as they take a new step towards titles.
"We are delighted that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and that he has chosen to commit long-term to our shared mission," said Matthew Savage, chairman of Dorilton Capital, owner of Williams.
He brought his experience, energy, and strategic vision to bring Williams back to the top. We are not there yet, but you can feel the momentum building at Grove, which makes us very optimistic for the future.
Clear objectives
On his side, James Vowles believed that this new contract offered him, as well as Williams, the opportunity to aim for glory in the years to come.
Williams is currently investing significant resources in the development of its 2026 single-seater, a year marked by a major change in technical regulations, both in terms of chassis and engines.
« I am very happy to extend my journey with Atlassian Williams Racing, a team that made me feel at home from day one », he stated.
« This legendary team has already given me incredible memories, and we are all united by the same ambition: to revive the Williams legacy and win world titles again. »
« In the last two years, we have worked on laying the right foundations, and we now have a solid base to aim for the top in the years to come. »
