‘This feels like it was made to be’ – Vowles reacts to his new Williams contract extension

James Vowles has admitted "this feels like it was made to be" having signed a long-term contract extension with the Williams Formula 1 outfit to remain as Team Principal.

Vowles has held the position since the start of the 2023 season, having moved across from Mercedes where he spent four years as Motorsport Strategy Director and with now more than two decades of experience in the sport.

Under Vowles' leadership, the illustrious team has gone from struggling at the back of the field to fighting consistently for point-scoring finishes, with Williams currently fifth in the Teams' Championship.

With an upturn in form, the decision was made ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend to extend Vowles' involvement with the team as he looks to take them back to the top and add to the nine Constructors' and seven Drivers' titles already achieved.

"I feel at home here. This feels like it was made to be and we gel really well," Vowles told Sky Sports F1.

"I'm so incredibly fortunate with Dorilton and our board, we talk, today we've spoken twice already. It's not a normal board in that regard, we're very interactive and close.

"The first few years are really making sure each other is the right fit for this in the long-term. We've now, I think, shown the world we can do some basics right, which is where we're at now.

"Now it's to properly build this into a championship-winning team and that will take some time and this commitment to each other is a serious commitment towards that goal. I couldn't be happier.

"This Williams feels like, if this is where I spend the remainder of my career, it would have been a very good and well spent amount of time."

Alex Albon praised Vowles' input at the team, having been with Williams since 2022 and since a gradual improvement in performance, which includes scoring points in seven of the 10 Grands Prix so far this year.

“I think it's a great vote of confidence for all of us," he said.

“I feel like James has clearly spearheaded the team in a good direction, the right direction, and for myself, the team, it's a great sign of things to come and shows trust and confidence from the board. It makes the future brighter for the team.”