Williams Boss James Vowles Completes McLaren GT3 Test in Spain

Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles completed a two-day test of a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo at Spain's Circuito de Navarra during the F1 break. He reunited with Garage 59, a team he raced with in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series.

Why it matters:

This demonstrates Vowles' enduring passion for motorsport beyond his F1 leadership role, offering a glimpse into his personal dedication amid Williams' ongoing revitalization. It underscores his commitment, especially after signing a new long-term contract.

The details:

• Vowles drove the McLaren GT3 Evo at Navarra, noting the "great technical circuit."
• He acknowledged initial "rustiness" but was "very happy" with progress after two days.
• The McLaren 720S GT3 Evo boasts a 740bhp V8 twin-turbocharged engine, capable of 212mph.
• Vowles commented: "I had to hang up most of my engineering brain and focus on driving - and loved every second."

The big picture:

Since joining Williams in 2023 from Mercedes, Vowles has overseen a significant team transformation. Williams improved from 10th in 2022 to 7th in 2023. Though they dropped to 9th in 2024, they currently rank 5th in the 2025 championship, leading to his new long-term deal in June 2025. Vowles stated the team is "united in our ambition to build on our legacy and win world championships again," having focused on "fixing the foundations."