© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Williams just announced that Mercedes’ Motorsport Strategy Director James Vowles has been appointed as the team’s new team principal!
After 20 years with the team that is today known as Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, James Vowles will now assume a new role as Williams team principal.
“Williams Racing is delighted to announce that James Vowles is becoming its Team Principal,” Williams wrote in a media statement.
“James will join the team on 20 February, ahead of the first Grand Prix in Bahrain. He has been instrumental in securing nine F1 Constructors’ championships (with Brawn GP and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team) and has overseen over 120 race victories.
“British-born Vowles joins Williams after a 21-year career in Formula 1 so far, with his most recent role as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes, a position he held for over four years.
“Prior to that he fulfilled key engineering and strategy roles at Mercedes and former F1 teams including Honda Racing, Brawn GP and British American Racing.
“The 43-year-old played a crucial role at Brawn, overseeing the race strategy that saw Jenson Button secure the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship Drivers’ title and the team take the Constructors’ Championship.
If you like SilverArrows.Net, consider supporting us by buying us a coffee!
“He stayed at the team’s Brackley base as it transitioned into Mercedes from the 2010 season and, since then, has played an integral role in the team’s many successes,” the statement concluded.
The Chairman of Dorilton Capital (the owners of Williams Racing) Matthew Savage gave his comments on the move.
“We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing,” Savage said.
“He is one of the most highly respected talents in Formula 1 and will bring performance. He has been a key part of some of the most impressive feats in the sport over the past 15 years.
“As we continue our relentless pursuit for results, we believe that the appointment of James reinforces our dedication to ensuring we have energetic, experienced, and strong leadership as we move into the next phase of transforming Williams Racing,” he concluded.
Mercedes immediately thanked James on social media for his contributions to the team.
“We thank James for his enormous contribution to the team during his 20 years with us and wish him success in his new role,” the team wrote.
