Russell is sure Vowles is ‘going to have a few surprises when he goes to Williams’

James Vowles has left his position as strategy director at Mercedes to replace Jost Capito as team principal at Williams. George Russell is convinced that Vowles is the right man for the job.

Williams has been on the move for years. With Vowles as team boss, the team hopes to be able to celebrate success on a regular basis.

George Russell, who drove at Williams for three years before being promoted to Mercedes, is sure it will be challenging for Vowles. Nevertheless, he is the right decision for the team. According to motorsport.com, Russell explained:

“Firstly, really happy for James. I think he thoroughly deserves the opportunity,” said Russell at the launch of the W14.

“I can’t think of anybody better Williams could have hired for the job they need to undertake.”

“I’m sure he’s going to have a few surprises when he goes to Williams, naturally when you’ve spent so long at such a team with so many championships under his belt.”

A message from James Vowles on his first day at Grove! ??#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/upoNRQnepj

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 20, 2023

Who will replace Vowles at Mercedes?

Even though last season did not go perfectly for Mercedes, the planning for 2023 is a different story. The effort to learn from the mistakes of 2022 is great. Russell, therefore, does not fear that the departure of Vowles will have a negative impact on the 2023 season.

“I think for us on a strategic level, when it came to race strategies, James had already sort of handed over his duties to others within the team and he was just overseeing,” Russell explained.

“But actually, throughout all of last year, the decisions were being made by others. So in that regard, I think James has left us in very competent hands.”

Vowles will not be replaced by a single strategy director. Mercedes will use several staff members to fulfil his duties.

Whether Vowles will quickly settle into his new role as team principal remains to be seen.

Feature Image Credit: Peter J Fox via Getty Images