Williams have appointed Mercedes’ Formula One strategy director James Vowles as team principal ahead of the 2023 season.
Vowles takes over at the Grove factory following the departure of Jost Capito in December.
The move will see Vowles lead an F1 operation for the first time in his career, which he described as a “huge honour”.
“The team [Williams] is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge,” Vowles said on the Williams team website.
“Mercedes have been hugely supportive on my journey, and we part on excellent terms after over 20 years of working in Brackley. I am grateful for everything Toto and the team have provided, and it has been such a special experience to journey together through failure and success.
“Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. Williams has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks.”
"I'm incredibly proud and excited to join Williams"
Our new Team Principal, James Vowles, is excited for the challenges ahead! 💪#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/Cr7Ia9afbK
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) January 13, 2023
Vowles will begin his role as Williams team principal on February 20, three days before the start of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The 34-year-old will be looking to revive the Williams team that has finished last in the constructors’ championship for four of the last five seasons, including 2022 where they earned just eight points.
