The Williams F1 team has appointed Mercedes Motorsport Strategy Director James Vowles as its new Team Principal.

Vowles begins his new role on February 20^th, ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain, replacing Jost Capito who left in December.

The 43-year-old called joining Williams an honour, describing the team as one with a rich heritage, adding: “The team is an icon of our sport, one I respect greatly, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

Williams finished bottom of the Constructors championship in 2022 and Dorilton Capital Chairman Matthew Savage said appointing Vowles ensured the team had energetic, experienced, and strong leadership.

Vowles’s former boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, said: “We are naturally sad to be saying goodbye to such a capable member of the team, I have no doubts that James has the skills to become a fantastic Team Principal in Formula One.”

Vowles had been at the Brackley for more than 20 years, back to when the team joined F1 as BAR in 1999. Since then, Vowles has been part of nine Constructors’ championship wins, eight drivers’ titles, and 120 race victories, with the team known as BAR, Honda, Brawn, and most recently, Mercedes.

Speaking of his departure from the Brackley-based team, Vowles said: “Mercedes has always been hugely supportive on my journey, and we part on excellent terms.”

Williams launches their 2023 car on February 6^th.