Williams Team Principal James Vowles Set for Racing Return at Gulf 12 Hours
Williams F1 Team Principal James Vowles is making an unexpected return to competitive racing, set to compete in the Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit with Garage 59. Driving a McLaren 720S GT3, Vowles will race alongside Alexander West, Mark Sansom, and Marco Pulcini. This marks his first race since becoming Williams boss in 2023, following a successful year leading the team. The event, held a week after the 2025 F1 season finale, highlights Vowles' enduring passion for motorsport.
James Vowles, the team principal of Williams Racing, is set to make a surprising return to competitive racing by participating in the upcoming Gulf 12 Hours event at the Yas Marina Circuit. Vowles will compete with Garage 59, a British motor racing team, driving a McLaren 720S GT3.
Why it matters:
- This marks Vowles' first competitive race since taking on the leadership role at Williams in 2023, showcasing a unique blend of management and direct racing passion from an F1 team principal.
- His participation highlights the strong ties within the motorsport community and offers a different perspective on leadership in F1, connecting the boardroom directly with the track.
- For Williams, it subtly reinforces a commitment to racing at its core, even as the team focuses on rebuilding its F1 performance.
The Details:
- Event: James Vowles will race in the Gulf 12 Hours at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
- Team: He will join Garage 59, a multiple championship-winning British motor racing team.
- Vehicle: Vowles will be driving a McLaren 720S GT3, a formidable endurance racing car.
- Teammates: He will share driving duties with Garage 59 founder Alexander West and International GT Open drivers Mark Sansom and Marco Pulcini.
- Schedule: The endurance GT race is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, one week after the 2025 F1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Previous Experience: Vowles previously raced with Garage 59 in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series, scoring two points in the #59 McLaren.
The big picture:
- Vowles has had a successful 2025 season as Williams' team principal, securing a contract extension in June and guiding the team to its highest points tally in nine years, currently just 17 points shy of their 2016 total.
- His return to the cockpit underscores a personal passion for racing that complements his strategic role in Formula 1.
- Andrew Kirkaldy, Garage 59 team principal, praised Vowles' professionalism and strategic knowledge from their previous collaboration, expressing excitement for his return.
What's next:
- Vowles will compete in the Gulf 12 Hours on December 14, following the F1 season finale.
- His participation offers a unique opportunity to experience racing from a driver's perspective again, potentially bringing new insights back to his role at Williams.
- This move reinforces the personal dedication to motorsport by one of F1's key figures, adding another layer to his already impressive resume in the sport.