Williams F1 Boss Vowles Joins Garage 59 Lineup

Garage 59 has announced that Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles will join the team’s driver lineup for next month’s Gulf 12 Hours.

Vowles, who is designated as a Bronze-rated driver by the FIA, will share the team’s McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Alexander West, Mark Sansom and Marco Pulcini.

The 46-year-old has been at the head of the Williams F1 operation since 2023 and has been credited with its resurgence in form since, peaking with a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for Carlos Sainz earlier this year.

Vowles has previously competed with Garage 59 during the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series campaign, driving alongside Manuel Maldonado and Nicolai Kjaergaard.

He tested with the team at Jerez in late September in order to prepare for next month’s 12-hour race at the Yas Marina Circuit, which takes place a week after the F1 season wraps up at the same venue.

“The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish,” said Vowles.

“Garage 59 is a team I know well from our time together in 2022, and the Gulf 12 Hours is a fantastic event with a competitive grid.

“It will be a pleasure to share the car with Alex, Mark and Marco, and to experience racing from the driver’s seat again.”