James Vowles ‘almost got knocked off his chair’ over Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move

James Vowles claimed he had no insider information regarding Lewis Hamilton's move to Scuderia Ferrari.

James Vowles ‘almost got knocked off his chair’ over Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move

James Vowles and Lewis Hamilton

Williams Team Principal James Vowles recently made headlines by signing Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard had no seat for the 2025 season after Ferrari announced he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton. Vowles was surprised by the move made by Ferrari at the same time he was prepared to offer a seat at Williams to Carlos Sainz.

James Vowles was recently asked if he had any insider information of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari. Vowles claimed that he had no idea of this before the news was announced. He didn’t have any hints or information about it. The news was a total surprise to him and maybe everyone in the F1 community.

I had no inkling at all. That was a complete shock to me. When Lewis was announced, absolutely no idea.
James Vowles said, as reported by Motorsport.com
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Vowles explained that he knew Lewis Hamilton always wanted to join Ferrari at some point. However, he was shocked when it actually happened because he had been involved in the previous deal with Hamilton. The 45-year-old was completely surprised when the announcement came and felt as if he was knocked off his chair by the news. Vowles did not expect it to happen when it did, and the announcement caught him off guard.

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I knew Lewis had his heart set there eventually, but I also know the end of that deal, because I was a part of it, and I was knocked off my chair the day that that happened.
James Vowles stated.
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James Vowles feared Carlos Sainz wouldn’t join Williams.

James Vowles explained that before Carlos Sainz’s announcement he talked to multiple drivers who might want to join Williams. He explained that he did this because he was worried that the deal with Carlos Sainz might not work out, as he approached Sainz even before Hamilton’s announcement. Vowles explained that he didn’t call or contact any other drivers. However, he only reached out later when it became clear that Sainz might not join Williams, prompting alternative options.

I didn't call or contact anyone else. In fact, the only time I did was later in the programme where it became very clear that Carlos may not join us.
James Vowles stated.
James Vowles and Carlos Sainz
James Vowles and Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

James Vowles explained that when it became clear that Sainz might not join Williams, he began exploring other options. He explained that it was a need to consider several different possibilities to protect the team’s interests. Vowles added that Sainz knew about this and understood that these discussions with other drivers happened quite late in the process. Eventually the Spaniard signed with Williams with the fear of losing another opportunity.

And at that point, I've got to make sure that I put my eggs in multiple baskets to cover it off. But he's aware of when I did that, and it was very late on in the process.
James Vowles added.

Certainly, James Vowles felt that Carlos Sainz must be considering top teams so he decided talking with other drivers interested in joining. However, the Spaniard with the fear of losing another opportunity signed a multi-year contract with the British team. Fans were pleased by the news that Sainz will still be in the F1 as they feared he would be left with no seat.

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