Williams follow Red Bull and Mercedes with 'large departure'

Williams team principal James Vowles has detailed a “large departure” from the squad's past focus in a bid to improve its performance going forward.

Vowles took over at the helm of Williams prior to the start of last year's campaign following his exit from Mercedes.

The Grove-based squad has been competing towards the rear of the field for several years, with Vowles insisting on numerous occasions its revival will be a long-term effort.

In a bid to make gains in the coming seasons, Vowles detailed the Williams team is split into separate bands, focusing on different years.

“Within our team, we separated the team out with the additional resources,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365. 

“We have team members focused on 2024, 2025, 2026 and a little bit of 2027, as well at the same time.

“That's a change for Williams, we're more used to working one year in advance or even on the current year.”

Williams mirroring F1 front-runners

Vowles outlined the structure is similar to those in place at the front-running Red Bull and Mercedes squads.

“As you can imagine, when you do that within an organisation, it takes time to adapt and grow to it,” he said.

“Mercedes do it, I guarantee Red Bull do it. Just for us, that’s a large departure from where we have been.”

Although teams cannot start construction on their 2026 cars until January next year, Vowles outlined it is preparing for the sport's new era in other areas.

“With all that in mind, I'm privileged enough to see the numbers for 2026 and what we're doing,” he said. 

“The development direction of 2026, the process growth for 26, the infrastructure changes that are happening, and other bits that are coming as well.”