James Vowles takes up new role at Williams, departs the successful Mercedes team

Williams has appointed the highly-regarded Mercedes strategy director James Vowles as their new team principal ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Vowles has been instrumental at Brackley, initially with Brawn when he oversaw the race strategy that led to Jenson Button winning the 2009 drivers' title and the team claiming the constructors' crown.

After Brawn transitioned into Mercedes the following year, Vowles fulfilled a similar brief and has been credited with helping the team and Lewis Hamilton, in particular, to their various successes.

But Vowles has now been released from his Mercedes contract to join Williams, who was without a team principal after chief executive Jost Capito stepped down from his dual role in December.

"I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing," said Vowles. "It's an honour to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.

"Mercedes have been hugely supportive on my journey, and we part on excellent terms after over 20 years of working in Brackley. I am grateful for everything (team principal and CEO) Toto (Wolff) and the team have provided.

"It has been such a special experience to journey together through failure and success. Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return.

"Williams has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks."

James, it’s George. Congratulations on your new role, thoroughly deserved. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Mercedes and the support you’ve given me along the journey. See you in Bahrain! https://t.co/Svmlk1Av4q

Change in fortunes

Williams will be hoping the 43-year-old's arrival