James Fowles: Williams has appointed the former Mercedes chief of strategy as team manager ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season

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James Fowles replaces Jost Capito, who stepped down as Williams CEO and team principal in December after two years in the role. Vowles is leaving his role as strategy director for Mercedes to take over the role

Last update: 1/23/13 2:22 PM

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

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

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

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

“I can’t wait to start racing for Williams,” Fowles said. “It is such an honor to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is a symbol of our sport, I deeply respect it, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.

“Williams Racing has put their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. The team has huge potential, and our journey together will begin in a matter of weeks.”

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Williams, who have finished bottom of the constructors’ standings for four of the past five seasons, have yet to announce a replacement for technical director François-Xavier Demaison, who also left in December. Fowles also said that the team had no immediate plans to fill the CEO position, which was also held by Capito.

Vowles began his Formula One career with British American Racing and remained with the team as Honda and then Brawn, the latter achieving the championship double in 2009 as Jenson Button sealed his only title.

When the team was bought and renamed by Mercedes in 2010, Vowles was retained and filled key engineering and strategy roles during the five seasons in which Lewis Hamilton won the championship, alongside Nico Rosberg.

Vowles has been with Mercedes since the team’s inception in 2010

“Mercedes has been incredibly supportive on my journey, and we are engaged on excellent terms after more than 20 years working at Brackley,” Fowles added.

“I am grateful for everything Toto (Wolf) and the team have done, and it has been a special experience to walk through failure and success together.”

Vowles’ move to Williams maintains strong links between the two teams, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff a former owner and manager of the British team, and Silver Arrows driver George Russell having spent three years at Williams before partnering with Hamilton for the first time last season.

“James has been a highly valued member of our team in his role as Motorsport Strategy Director, and has been instrumental in our success in recent years,” said Wolff.

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“Having worked with him since I first joined the team in 2013, I know how hardworking, capable and talented he is and it has taken me great satisfaction from watching James develop and grow over the past decade.

“While we are naturally sad to say goodbye to such a capable member of the team, I have absolutely no doubt that he has all the skills to be a great team manager in Formula 1.

“We wish him every success and are delighted that he will take this next step in his career with Williams, a strong technical partner of ours who holds a place close to my heart.”

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

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Logan Sargeant finished fifth in the final F2 race of 2022 to secure his super licence, ensuring he will drive for Williams in F1 next season

Logan Sargeant finished fifth in the final F2 race of 2022 to secure his super licence, ensuring he will drive for Williams in F1 next season

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

Williams was purchased by Dorilton Capital in 2020, as the new owners hope to bring the team back into contention.

“We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing,” said Matthew Savage, president of Dorilton Capital.

“He is one of the most respected talents in Formula 1 and he will deliver. He has been a key part of some of the most impressive achievements in the sport over the past 15 years.

“As we continue our relentless pursuit of results, we believe the appointment of James reinforces our dedication to ensuring we have energetic, experienced and strong leadership as we move into the next phase of Williams Racing’s transformation.”

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