Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles took advantage of the week-long break between the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix to get behind the wheel of a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo for two days of testing in Spain.
The test unfolded at the Circuito de Navarra, where Vowles returned to familiar territory with Garage 59, a team he previously raced with in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2022.
"Spent a fantastic two days at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain. Mostly dry and a great technical circuit," Vowles shared on social media. "I was driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Garage 59. It was great to be back with a team that I have a strong history with."
From Engineering Brain to Racing Instincts
While Vowles is best known for his sharp strategic mind in F1, the thrilling transition back into a GT3 cockpit required a different focus.
"I was rusty to start, it’s been a few years out of a GT3 but very happy with where we ended up after two days of testing. I had to hang up most of my engineering brain and focus on driving - and loved every second. More to follow," he added.
Spent a fantastic two days at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain. Mostly dry and a great technical circuit. I was driving a McLaren 720s GT3 Evo with Garage59. It was great to be back with a team that I have a strong history with.
I was rusty to start, it’s been a few years out of… pic.twitter.com/zqNfHxWMub
— James Vowles (@JV_F1) September 14, 2025
The McLaren 720S GT3 Evo itself is no stranger to high-performance circuits. Currently campaigned by Garage 59, CSA Racing, Optimum Motorsport, and Team RJN in the GT World Challenge Europe, the car packs a V8 twin-turbocharged engine with 740bhp and a top speed of 212mph.
A Strategic Mind Behind the Wheel
Vowles has been at the helm of Williams since 2023, following over a decade at Mercedes. His tenure has coincided with a notable resurgence for the Grove team, which climbed from 10th in the constructors’ standings in 2022 to seventh in 2023, before a slight dip to ninth in 2024.
Currently, the British outfit sits fifth in 2025, and Vowles’ influence has extended beyond performance, helping to boost the team’s commercial partnerships as well.
In recognition of his leadership, Vowles signed a long-term extension with Williams in June 2025 –ensuring that his strategic mind will continue to shape the team’s future, whether in the executive suite or on the pit wall.
Read also: Vowles calls on Williams to ‘lift’ Sainz after Monza setback
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