The recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix marked a significant milestone for Williams Racing, as driver Carlos Sainz secured the team’s first podium under the leadership of newly appointed team principal James Vowles. Sainz finished in third place behind race winner Max Verstappen and second-placed George Russell, highlighting a remarkable achievement for the Grove outfit.
To celebrate this achievement, Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, sent a congratulatory gift bag to Vowles. The thoughtful gesture included champagne and a note that humorously read, “Lucky Ba***rd! Congrats on your first podium as a TP.” This playful recognition underscores the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Formula 1 community.
Sainz, who has previously won four Grand Prix races, expressed his excitement about this podium finish, stating it was the “best podium in my career.” His performance in Baku was characterized by consistent lap times and strategic racing, which impressed many, including his former teammate Russell. Following the race, Russell extended his congratulations, stating, “Firstly, congrats to Carlos and Williams. An amazing result for them.”
Vowles, who transitioned to Williams at the start of 2023 after a notable 13-year tenure at Mercedes, reflected on his journey during an appearance on the High Performance podcast in 2024. He recounted the advice he received from Wolff, which he humorously summarized as, “Don’t be s**t,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in his new role.
During his time at Mercedes, Vowles worked closely with Wolff in various capacities, including as chief strategist and later as motorsport strategy director from 2019. He acknowledged the invaluable mentorship provided by Wolff, stating, “Toto was kind enough with his time to give me as much experience as he could.”
Vowles further elaborated on his preparation for the team principal role, describing how he built a team to manage strategy while he focused on the overall growth of Williams Racing. His experience across multiple areas, including simulator management and involvement with the Formula E team, contributed to his readiness for this leadership position.
In his post-race comments, Vowles praised Sainz’s exceptional driving in Baku, noting, “It’s really lap after lap. He just built the pace.” He acknowledged the competitive speed of Mercedes but commended Sainz for executing a flawless race weekend, stating, “He didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend.”
As Williams Racing looks to build on this success, Vowles’ leadership and Sainz’s performance could signal a new era for the team, one that hopes to reclaim its former glory in the competitive world of Formula 1.
