James Vowles makes no secret about the existing shortcomings at Williams. Eager to push the team up the field, he explains that foundational and often painful changes are necessary.
The Williams team principal led his personnel to 7th place in the standings last season. Although far from a spectacular result at face value, it was the British outfit’s best finish since 2017.
From this perspective, last year might be deemed a success. However, without downplaying his team’s efforts, James Vowles is clear that fighting for P7 is of no interest to him.
Of course, the former Mercedes engineer is pragmatic about the existing challenges he must tackle.
His response to missing out on points in Jeddah, for example, is proof that every race is of tremendous importance to Vowles.
SHORT-TERM PAIN FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT
Still, the 44-year-old is prioritising long-term success over immediate lap time:
“It isn’t about one year anymore, and for that matter, it’s not about 2024 or 2025 either,” he explains.
“And that’s not meaning to sound defeatist. That’s more presenting to everyone that we have aspirations to keep moving up the grid.
“We’re prepared to sacrifice the current years to be able to do that.”
Whilst not obvious at the surface, Williams used a completely new approach when designing and producing the FW46.
Upon arriving at Grove, Vowles has overseen the implementation of new and more effective procedures. Perhaps the most notable example of the team’s outdated technology was its use of Microsoft Excel to sort and categorize its components.
A new modernised system is now in place – laying the foundations for Williams F1 to begin operating like a front-runner.
Vowles explains that such changes, though difficult, are necessary:
“That’s a large philosophy change, and it’s a hard philosophy change. But it’s one that I’m confident is the right one.
“We’re not here to fight for seventh or eighth…. we’re here to start fighting for proper positions.”
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – FEBRUARY 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Alexander Albon of Thailand and Williams walk in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202402280402 // Usage for editorial use only //
WILLIAMS FACE IMPORTANT DECISIONS
Over the last twelve months, Williams has been swept by a wave of optimism. Alex Albon regularly competed for points last season, proving competitive in various circuits.
For the first time in years, the former World Champions were on the ascendancy – as opposed to treading water as they had been in much of the 2010s.
Still, in a midfield group with barely anything separating it, F1 will continue to test Williams’ decision-making. A big test for James Vowles will be his driver selection for 2025.
On one hand, Albon is a driver who (despite his multi-year contract) is an attractive option across the field. This will further incentivise Vowles’ personnel to prove they are a project with genuine potential.
Logan Sargeant, meanwhile, is under pressure to prove himself after a shaky rookie campaign.
There will be no shortage of options and conversations behind the scenes, so the Williams boss must ensure he can adapt to an ever-changing market.
With a fresh set of regulations in 2026, less than two years ago, it is essential that Vowles secures the best possible driver line-up for his team.
