At the end of December 2022 the news of the farewell of Jost Capito to Williams, a farewell that took a bit of a back seat due to the whirlwind between Stella, Seidl and Vasseur triggered by the farewell of Mattia binotto at Ferrari. Today the Grove stable has announced its new Team Principal, and it's a name that shouldn't surprise too much: we're talking about James vowles, at now former director of strategy at Mercedes. Let's analyze the news in more detail.
Who is James Vowles
Vowles, 43, originally from Felbridge (UK), has been in the world of Formula 1 for a long time. The Englishman, after a master's degree in motorsport engineering obtained in 2001, joined the Mercedes world in 2002, however temporarily leaving that jacket to make his debut in Formula 1 as an engineer with British American Racing first, ed Honda racing onwards.
After the purchase of Honda by Ross Brawn and transformation into Brawn gp, Brawn promoted Vowles to strategist, and was instrumental in winning the title in 2009. With the purchase of the team by Mercedes, Vowles remained in the role until 2019, when he was promoted to director of strategy.
“Valtteri, it's James”: Vowles behind the Mercedes choices
His radio calls are famous.“Valtteri, it's James” , is one of the most iconic phrases spoken by Vowles himself. In 2018, the most striking, in Sochi, in which he gave Bottas the order to switch positions with Hamilton, effectively taking away from the Finn the taste for what would have been his first, and also only, success of the season. The most recent call instead comes during the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix, in which the Finn is asked to abort the fast lap attempt. Bottas lifted his foot but still set the best time, forcing Hamilton to return to the pits for a tire change on the penultimate lap. On the occasions of exchanging positions, the voice over the radio was precisely that of Vowles. His strategies have been optimal in the conquests of victories, whether they are grand prix or world titles.
Mercedes Team Principal, Toto wolff, wanted to greet him by praising his qualities. “We are obviously sad that he is leaving the team, but I have no doubts that he has all the qualities to be a fantastic Team Principal. I know how diligent, talented and capable he is at his job. He was no longer at the wall, but from Brackley he has built a fantastic team of strategists who will continue his work over the next few years."
Williams will therefore have its new Team Principal from February 20th. The technical director is still missing, but it is extremely probable that his appointment will take place in the next few days, so we just have to wait for developments!
