James Vowles will continue leading Atlassian Williams Racing as Team Principal after signing a new long-term contract. Vowles joined the team in 2023 after a four-year stint as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes, following key roles at Brawn GP, Honda, and BAR over the course of his 21-year Formula 1 career. Since his arrival, he has focused on reshaping the team’s foundations as Williams pursues a return to the front of the grid under Dorilton Capital’s ownership.
That transformation is beginning to show results. In the 2025 season, Williams has made its strongest start to the season since 2016. With Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz consistently scoring points, the team currently holds fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Their 55-point haul already surpasses the combined total from the last three seasons.
Improved reliability, consistent pace, and more refined race strategy have all contributed to the team’s rise. Backed by Vowles’ leadership and Dorilton Capital’s continued investment, Williams’ momentum is building—and their long-term ambition of returning to the front of the grid looks increasingly realistic.
Vowles targeting return to Championship glory after renewing to Williams
Vowles expressed his enthusiasm after signing a new contract with Williams, calling the team “a place that has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door.” While the exact duration of the deal remains undisclosed, Vowles made clear his long-term commitment to leading Williams’ resurgence.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on the team’s progress since his arrival in 2023, Vowles explained, “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.”
He also reaffirmed the team’s ambition to return to the top of F1: “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.”
Savage backs Vowles to lead Williams back to the top
Matthew Savage, Chairman of Williams and Dorilton Capital, welcomed James Vowles’ contract extension and praised his leadership in recent years. While he acknowledged that the team still has work to do, he highlighted the growing momentum at Grove and reaffirmed his ambition to see Williams return to the top of the Championship standings in the future.
“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. 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.”
