F1 News
'Williams have become worse with James Vowles: he is over-estimated'
Since joining Williams as team principal in 2023, James Vowles has been on a mission to bring the team back to the front of the grid. He has been clear that the team are focused on a long-term project, in which he hopes to make significant improvements. Nonetheless, former racing driver Marc Surer is not too sure.
In 2023, Williams finished seventh in the Constructors, three places higher than 2022. In preparation for 2025 and beyond, the team has signed Carlos Sainz on a multi-year deal to replace Logan Sargeant. Despite signing the three-time race winner, Surer is not convinced this is enough to restore Williams. In an interview on Formel1.de YouTube channel, the Swiss said: "Why should they suddenly get so much better now? They have become worse this year, you must not forget that!"
This season, the team sit ninth in the Constructors, with just four points. Surer blames Vowles for this due to the changes he has made to the car for the new season: "I have often said that James Vowles is simply over-estimated. Jost Capito built a car with his people. James Vowles came to Williams, took the car, and they drove fully into the points. All the praises went to James Vowles, not the one who built the car. Now, the car is too heavy and too slow."
Can Williams move back to the front of the grid?
Williams have not won a drivers or constructors championship since 1997, when Jacques Villeneuve won. The team have also failed to win a race since 2012. With Vowles signing Sainz, who has race winning experience with Ferrari, he hopes to bring the team back to a higher level. However, Surer is not convinced this can happen right away: "I would doubt next year will be any better with Williams. Points yes, but getting involved in the front? I don't think so," he concluded.