Williams F1 team have recruited Mercedes strategy chief James Vowles as its new Team Principal.
The news comes after Jost Capito departed the team last month following a two year spell.
Vowels had been a part of the Brackley based team since it was named BAR, as well as through spells as it being Honda and Brawn GP, rising through the ranks of race engineer to chief race strategist.Â
The 43 year old said in a statement: “I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It’s an honour to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage.
“The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”
He added: “Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return.
“The team has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks.”
Talking on the new appointment Dorilton Capital Chairman Matthew Savage said: “We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing.
“He is one of the most highly respected talents in Formula One and will bring performance.
“He has been a key part of some of the most impressive feats in the sport over the past 15 years.
“As we continue our relentless pursuit for results, we believe that the appointment of James reinforces our dedication to ensuring we have energetic, experienced, and strong leadership as we move into the next phase of transforming Williams Racing.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff gave his say on James’ departure from the team he’s been a key part of: “Having worked with him since since I first joined the team in 2013, I know how diligent, capable and talented he is and have taken great satisfaction from watching James develop and grow over the past decade.
“While we are naturally sad to be saying goodbye, we wish him every success and are delighted that he will take this step in his career with Williams, a strong technical partner of ours and one that has a place close to my own heart.”
Williams next job will be to recruit a technical director ahead of the new season after the departure of Francois- Xavier Demaison.