Toto Wolff has praised the "highly valued" James Vowles as the Mercedes chief strategist is set to take up the role of Williams Formula 1 Team Principal. It was announced on Friday that Vowles would be replacing Jost Capito as Williams boss following his resignation in December 2022, bringing to end a near two decade association with the Brackley-based team. Vowles was an integral part of the Mercedes machine which dominated F1 over the past decade, claiming eight straight Constructors' and seven Drivers' crowns as well as over 120 Grand Prix wins. He was also part of the Brawn team which claimed both titles in 2009, before Mercedes took control in time for the '10 season.
Wolff: Vowles joining a team close to my heart
"James has been a highly valued member of our team in his role as Motorsport Strategy Director, playing an integral part in our success in recent years," Wolff explained. "Having worked with him 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. "Since stepping back from the pit wall mid-season last year, he has continued to build the capability of our strategy team at Brackley, and we have a fantastic group of talented strategists who will continue their superb work in the years to come. "While we are naturally sad to be saying goodbye to such a capable member of the team, I have no doubts whatsoever that he has all the necessary skills to become a fantastic Team Principal in Formula 1. "We wish him every success and are delighted that he will take this next step in his career with Williams, a strong technical partner of ours and one that has a place close to my own heart."
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