Williams Racing team ambassador Jenson Button has praised the significant impact of James Vowles’ leadership at the Grove-based outfit which has transformed the once-struggling team into a cohesive, upward-moving force on the Formula 1 grid.
As Williams enjoys its most competitive campaign in years, the 2009 world champion pointed to Vowles’ management style as a unifying force that has helped restore the outfit’s identity and performance.
Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show, Button also reflected on his personal connection to Williams – the team where he made his F1 debut in 2000 – and to Vowles, with whom he famously won the world title at Brawn GP in 2009.
A Team Working as One
Williams, which was acquired from the team’s founding family in 2020 by private equity firm Dorilton Capital, has enjoyed a resurgence in 2025 that has carried the squad to fifth in F1’s Constructors’ standings at the half-way point of the season.
And Button credits much of that success to the environment fostered by Vowles since taking over the team in 2023.
“This year has been mega for Williams,” said the Briton. “It really has. They've made a big step, which is nice. We all like seeing a British team do well.
“And also, I know it's not a family-run team anymore, but it still has that family vibe. And I think with the leadership of James, it's made a big difference. It's really brought everyone together and they are working as one which is good.”
Vowles, who spent years as Mercedes' head of strategy before moving to Grove, has been widely credited with modernizing operations while retaining the team’s traditional identity.
Button noted that Vowles' communication skills have been key to engaging not only team members but fans as well.
Clarity, Connection, and Championship Pedigree
Button also hailed Vowles' ability to demystify the technical side of Formula 1 – making it more accessible for both drivers and supporters.
“He was our strategist when I won the world championship and now he is running a team,” Button said. “He's an extreme individual and I love his way of working.
“He makes it easy for all of us to understand how an F1 car works as he's very articulate, but he really brings in the fans to understand where Williams is, where we are going. He has done a really good job so far.”
As the team continues its climb back toward the front of the grid, Button’s endorsement underscores the growing belief that under Vowles’ leadership, Williams is finally heading in the right direction – not just competitively, but culturally as well.
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