James Vowles, team principal at Williams, has explained why the legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey would not have been the right fit for the team’s current rebuild. After leaving Red Bull earlier this year, Newey was linked with several teams, including Williams, as a potential destination. However, Vowles emphasized that Newey, while an exceptional talent, would not have suited the needs of Williams at this point in their restructuring process.
Williams, once a dominant force in Formula 1 during the 1990s when Newey played a key role, is now in a much different position. The team, having been sold to Dorilton Capital after facing struggles, is in the midst of a long-term rebuilding phase. Vowles, who took over from Mercedes, acknowledged that while the team has shown improvement in recent years, they are not yet in a position to accommodate a figure like Newey, who could potentially overwhelm their still-developing structure.
Vowles explained that Williams needs to focus on building a strong foundation and team-oriented culture before bringing in a high-profile designer like Newey. He stressed that the team is aiming for sustainable, long-term success rather than depending on any one individual, even someone as accomplished as Newey. Vowles mentioned that hiring Newey at this stage might have led to frustration for both parties due to the team’s current limitations.
In contrast, Aston Martin, backed by significant investments from team owner Lawrence Stroll, was able to attract Newey, who will take on a senior technical role and become a shareholder in 2025. Vowles praised Aston Martin’s progress, particularly the upgrades to their facilities like a new wind tunnel, but made clear that he doesn’t envy their approach. Instead, he prefers to develop Williams’ infrastructure in a way that best suits the team’s future goals.
Vowles concluded by emphasizing his vision for Williams’ long-term development. While acknowledging that teams like Aston Martin are making strong, strategic moves, Vowles is focused on building Williams carefully and responsibly. He believes the team is making smart investments and sticking to a plan that will eventually return them to competitiveness, without relying on quick fixes or a star designer like Newey.