James Vowles admits Williams still ‘on crutches’ despite massive improvement in 2023

James Vowles revealed that presently Williams is focusing on multiple areas to improve its prospects.

James Vowles admits Williams still ‘on crutches’ despite massive improvement in 2023

Williams Team Principal, James Vowles (image via PlanetF1)

Williams Racing is currently going through a period of overhaul in F1. The iconic British team was acquired by Dorilton Capital in 2020 to turn around its prospects in the long term. Former Mercedes F1 strategy director James Vowles was hired as Team Principal this season. Now, Vowles has expressed that the team is trying to fill a gap in staff till it can hire more people.

The Williams team boss admitted that the Grove-based team was hanging on despite a shortage of personnel, with its members taking the initiative to ensure that all functions are performed effectively. The British team has recently improved after its horrific slump in 2018 and 2019. James Vowles said, “We’re fortunate with the team I have behind me at the moment because they are filling voids that exist. But clearly, we’re on crutches.”

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Vowles explained that currently, the team was stretched thin with emphasis on multiple years. The 44-year-old acknowledged that it would be more effective if there was only one focal point. The Briton continued, “We’re trying to do 10 things and it’s always better if you focus on one.”

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Although, the Williams team boss believed that he was the right person to spearhead the Grove-based team for the future despite not being a good engineer. He stated, “What I am, though, is someone with a vision of where we want to get to and lead people there on that direction. People, at the moment, are very much aligned with that view.”

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James Vowles sheds light on his duties at Williams

James Vowles, Alex Albon, and Logan Sargeant (image via Autoracing1.com)
James Vowles, Alex Albon, and Logan Sargeant (image via Autoracing1.com)

The 44-year-old described his current responsibilities at the historic British outfit. Vowles presently oversees different areas at Williams, be it race strategy, short-term goals, and cash expenditure in the long run. Although, the Briton was convinced that in the next five years, Williams would be in a different stage. James Vowles stated, “How we move chess pieces into a strong pace – the stronger Williams will become.”

The British team has put faith in Alex Albon for the long term, with the Thai driver bringing in the desired attitude and feedback to Grove. At the same time, Logan Sargeant got a surprise promotion to F1 this season. Sargeant has shown some good pace in his rookie year. However, the American driver must step up his game soon to secure his future with Vowles’ squad.

Thus, James Vowles has clarified that Williams is in the right direction. Although, there is a long way to go before the Grove-based team can reap the benefits of the work behind the scenes. Vowles remains adamant that the iconic British squad has the potential to go back to being a competitive team in F1 in the future.

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