Ambassador for Cambridge Judge Business School
Team Principal, The Williams F1 team
James Vowles has masters degrees from both Cranfield University, where he received the Prodrive Award of Excellence, and the University of East Anglia. He is a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the International Association for Sports Engineering (IASE) and the Formula 1 Engineering Alumni Network.
Professional experience
James Vowles is Team Principal of Williams Racing and one of the most highly regarded leaders in Formula 1. With over 2 decades of experience at the forefront of motorsport engineering and strategy, James has been a key figure in 8 World Championship victories with Brawn GP and Mercedes-AMG Petronas.
His instrumental role in Brawn GP’s remarkable 2009 title win — achieved on a limited budget and against formidable odds — has become part of Formula 1 history, recently serving as the focus of a popular Netflix documentary. At Mercedes, he was pivotal in orchestrating the team’s dominant era, contributing to multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Appointed as the youngest Team Principal in Formula 1, James brings a sharp analytical mind, technical expertise and a calm, strategic leadership style that has elevated Williams Racing’s ambition and visibility on the global stage.
Renowned for his thoughtful and data-driven race debriefs, which reach a wide online audience, James continues to redefine how insight and engagement are delivered in elite motorsport. His growing prominence positions him alongside the most influential figures in the sport today.
Awards and honours
- Honorary Doctorate, for contributions to motorsport engineering and strategy, University of East Anglia, 2017
- Formula 1 Championship Titles: 8 Constructors’ Championships, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, 2014-2021, and 7 Drivers’ Championships, 2014-2020