Williams F1 Boss James Vowles to Compete in Gulf 12 Hours After Abu Dhabi GP

Williams F1 team principal James Vowles is set to swap his pit wall role for a race seat, competing in the Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit the weekend after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This marks his return to competitive driving since taking the helm at Williams in 2023.

Why it matters:

• This unique move highlights Vowles' deep-rooted passion for racing beyond his strategic leadership in Formula 1. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal pursuits of an F1 team principal and could provide valuable, firsthand insights into the pressures and dynamics of a racing environment, which might subtly influence his approach at Williams.
• It also brings a notable F1 figure to a prominent GT racing event, potentially boosting the profile of the Gulf 12 Hours and showcasing the versatility of motorsport professionals.

The Details:

• Vowles will share a Garage 59-run McLaren 720S GT3 with Alexander West (2024 Gulf 12 Hours Pro-Am winner), Mark Sansom, and Marco Pulcini (International GT Open frontrunners).
• Vowles' Racing Pedigree: This isn't Vowles' first foray into the driver's seat. He previously competed in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series with Garage 59 in a McLaren and had a one-off touring car outing in 2015.
  • "The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish," Vowles stated, expressing his enthusiasm for returning to driving.
• Team Principal's Perspective: Garage 59 team principal Andrew Kirkaldy noted Vowles' "approach and professionalism, and of course his knowledge of strategy," from their previous collaboration, indicating a strong partnership.
• The Gulf 12 Hours: Launched in 2012, this endurance race serves as a prestigious year-ending challenge, traditionally held shortly after the F1 Abu Dhabi GP. The 15th edition will take place on December 14.
  • The race features GT3 machinery as its headline category, alongside the new GTX1 class.
  • It is uniquely split into two parts: an initial eight-hour segment followed by a two-hour break and a concluding four-hour sprint. The break allows fan access to the pitlane, enhancing spectator engagement.
• Garage 59's Background: A multi-title-winning British GT team founded in 2016, Garage 59 specializes in running McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin GT cars. They will shift focus to the World Endurance Championship in 2026, fielding two McLaren 720S GT3s.

What's next:

This outing will be Vowles' first competitive race as a driver since assuming his role at Williams in 2023, following his departure from Mercedes as strategy chief. While it's a personal endeavor, his participation offers an interesting parallel between the high-pressure world of F1 team management and the direct thrill of on-track competition. It will be intriguing to see how his experience behind the wheel impacts his perspective in leading the Williams F1 team in the future.