James Vowles: Williams appoint former Mercedes strategy chief as team principal ahead of 2023 Formula 1 season

James Vowles replaces Jost Capito, who stepped down as Williams chief executive and team principal in December after two years at the helm; Vowles leaves his role as Mercedes strategy director to take on the role

James Vowles (L) has been a key part of Lewis Hamilton’s success with Mercedes

Williams have appointed former Mercedes strategy director James Vowles as their new team principal ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Vowles replaces Jost Capito, who stepped down as Williams chief executive and team principal in December after two years at the helm.

The 43-year-old will officially join Williams on February 20, after being released from his contract by Mercedes, with whom he won eight constructors’ titles having been with the team since their inception in 2010.

“I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing,” Vowles said.

“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.”

Williams, who have finished bottom of the constructors’ standings in four of the last five seasons, have yet to announce a replacement for technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison, who also departed in December.

The British team have already confirmed a February 6 launch date for their 2023 car, which will be driven by American rookie Logan Sargeant, who has joined the team to partner Alex Albon.

Pre-season testing takes place in Bahrain from February 23-25, with the opening Grand Prix of the season following at the same venue on March 5.

More to follow…

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