Williams F1 Team Principal James Vowles marked a triumphant return to competitive racing by winning the amateur category at the 12 Hours of the Gulf. He teamed up with 2024 Pro-Am victor Alexander West, two-time International GT Open Pro-Am champion Marco Pulcini, and 2025 International GT Open Amateur runner-up Mark Sansom, driving a McLaren 720S GT3 EVO for Garage 59 at Yas Marina Circuit.
Vowles expressed his excitement on social media, highlighting the team’s relentless effort from morning until night and celebrating Garage 59’s second consecutive class victory at the Gulf 12 Hours. He thanked his teammates Alex, Mark, and Marco, as well as the team’s supporters, describing the weekend as unforgettable and expressing satisfaction with his personal progress.
This win came shortly after Williams concluded the 2025 F1 season in fifth place in the constructors’ championship, giving Vowles a reason to celebrate. The 46-year-old British team principal last raced in 2022, competing in four races in the Asian Le Mans Series for Garage 59, where he had also scored points in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi rounds. Additionally, Vowles took part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving the 1992 Williams F1 car that won the World Championship.
Fan Take: This victory highlights the versatility and competitive spirit of key figures in motorsport like James Vowles, bridging the gap between management and racing. For fans, it reinforces the passion behind the sport and hints at more exciting crossover moments between F1 leadership and active racing in the future.
