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Why Vowles is going to succeed at Williams where Lowe failed
- GPblog.com
James Vowles will start working for Williams as the new team boss from next month. Whereas he was a highly valued part of Mercedes' team, an entirely different role awaits him at the British formation. Mattia Binotto and Paddy Lowe experienced in the past how big a challenge it can be. What does make Vowles succeed as a team boss in Formula 1?
The comparison with Binotto is a quick one. Both men have a lot of experience in the technical part of a Formula 1 car. Whereas the Italian team boss worked in a historic team at Ferrari, Vowles likewise gets the chance to revive old times. However, it simultaneously ensures that expectations are high.
Understanding the technical part will help Vowles, as Binotto did at Ferrari, to understand the qualities of the car even better and then manage people better. Binotto showed in 2022 what that can achieve. Indeed, although the team boss was disappointed in several areas, he managed to put a car on track last calendar year that could compete for the world title.
However, differences can also be detected between Binotto and Vowles. For instance, Ferrari decided to pass on Binotto, while Vowles will have to get to know his new team. It will ensure that the Briton needs time to get used to the formation and gain information, but at the same time it gives him a completely fresh perspective. And that is what Williams could do well with at the moment.
Moreover, Binotto had to deal with pressure from the Tifosi and Italian newspapers in recent years. Apart from criticism within his team, it gave him a lot of extra pressure, which certainly did not help Ferrari's performance. At Williams, things are relatively calmer, although that does not diminish the sky-high expectations.
Comparison with Lowe at Williams
If we draw comparisons with Paddy Lowe, there are some big advantages for Vowles as well. The team's former technical director joined Williams in 2017 and saw the racing team drop to last place in the constructors' championship in a couple of years. It earned Lowe a departure after just a few years.
Vowles' entry moment is completely different. Last season, Williams scored eight points, finishing in last place among constructors. It is therefore clear to Vowles that the team cannot fare worse under his leadership than it did in 2022, which will give him time to ensure progress.
Last race year at Mercedes, Vowles proved extensively that he is capable of making major in-season improvements to the car with a team. With that experience, he should manage to help Williams move up. In addition, with Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant, he has two talented drivers who should make a difference on the grid in the coming years. That completes the package for Vowles to achieve success in the future.