(Motorsport-Total.com) – James Vowles has explained that the return of the racing team from Grove to the top of Formula 1 is becoming his “life’s mission.” Vowles took over the role of team principal at Williams at the beginning of 2023 and faced the immense challenge from the start of bringing the outdated infrastructure up to date and restoring the team to its former world champion form.
Read more Alexander Albon admits: Was «pretty burned out» in 2025
In the official Team Torque podcast of the racing team, Vowles looked back on the long-term building process at Williams alongside Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz.
When asked by a fan how to build resilience and mental strength in a team the size of Williams, Vowles replied: “There are so many difficult life experiences – as long as you approach them with the right attitude, you come out of them as a better person in the end.”
“The second point is that I am stubborn and persistent. We will reach the level we need to be at. That will become my life’s mission,” said Vowles. And continuing with regard to his drivers Sainz and Albon: “But it is just as much your [mission], and the reality behind it is: That creates a strength that no one can break.”
Read more Shock at Raab show: Ralf Schumacher must undergo surgery after fall
Williams experienced a difficult start to the 2026 season. The team traveled to the test sessions in Bahrain with a car that was too heavy, after already missing the shakedown test in Barcelona. However, both Albon and Sainz have extended their contracts ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Vowles also addressed the commitment of his two drivers in the podcast: “Thank you both. It will be an absolute honor for me to have you by my side next year – and hopefully many, many years beyond that – as part of Williams.”
Albon has extended his contract by one year until the end of 2027, while Sainz has signed a new multi-year contract.
Read more «Then it’s Lewis»: Steiner calls on Ferrari for a clear decision