F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Williams: A word from the boss on his first day at work

Williams fans, it's James!

Williams Racing's new team principal James Vowles who transferred from Mercedes to the Grove-based outfit over the winter enjoyed his first day on the job on Monday.

The man who spent 21 years at Brackley and who helped guide Mercedes to countless wins and nine world titles has now officially succeeded his predecessor Jost Capito at the helm of Formula 1's third most successful team behind Ferrari and McLaren.

And Vowles' first order of business was to address a word to Williams' many fans from behind the desk of his new office.

©Williams

"You join me today on my first day in Williams Racing, and I really struggle to put into words just how much it means to me, how I excited I am, and just really all the emotions that are bubbling inside me at the moment," he said.

"In just a few days we’ll be in Bahrain testing in earnest and it’s for us an opportunity to really understand where the car is, and what we need to do from that baseline to move forwards.

"I had the pleasure of meeting already a huge number within this organisation and I frankly can’t wait to meet the remainder over the next few days."

As excited as Vowles may be, the Briton is faced with a daunting task to transform Williams from a lower tier contender in Formula 1 to a top midfield outfit.

From structural changes to deeper cultural transformations, Vowles has committed to steering Williams into a new era, with the ambition of restoring the prominence the British outfit once enjoyed in F1.

Vowles will have his work cut out for him in the coming years to fulfil that objective, but one George Russell, who spent his first three years in F1 at Williams, believes that Mercedes' former strategist is the best man for the job.

"I'm sure he's going to have a few surprises when he goes to Williams, naturally, when you've spent so long at such a team with so many championships under his belt," Russell said last week at Mercedes' launch.

"But, to be honest, I can't think of anybody better Williams could have hired for the job they need to undertake.

"I'm really happy for James. I think he thoroughly deserves the opportunity and he's an incredibly hard worker."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

33 mins ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

2 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

17 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

18 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

20 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

21 hours ago