Williams boss James Vowles signs long-term contract extension

Williams Formula One team principal James Vowles has signed a long-term contract extension with the team.

Vowles joined Williams Racing in 2023, becoming the Grove-based outfit’s third team principal ever. He made the switch after two decades at Mercedes, having started at the team in 2001 when it was known as British American Racing.

Vowles has overseen a dramatic overhaul at Williams, which has included attracting a major title partner in Atlassian. At the time, Vowles told BlackBook Motorsport that the agreement is “one of the biggest deals full stop” in Formula One and “across sports”.

He has also attracted an elite driver lineup to the team, with Carlos Sainz joining Alex Albon at the start of this season.

Williams said in a statement that they see Vowles as the right man ‘to return an icon of Formula One to winning ways’.

“We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and committed his future to completing the mission that we are on together,” said Matthew Savage, chairman of Williams Racing and Dorilton Capital.

“He has brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the task of restoring Williams to the top step of the podium. We aren’t there yet but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead.”

Vowles added: “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing, which has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door.

“This iconic team has already given me some incredible memories and we are all united in our ambition to build on our legacy and win world championships again. Over the past two years we have focused on fixing the foundations, and now have a platform to go for glory in the years to come.”

The extension confirms that Vowles will lead Williams into Formula One’s new era. The technical regulations will be overhauled next season, which could dramatically shake up the established competitive order.

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