Williams announced that James Balls has signed a new long-term contract to maintain his role as team principal.
Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes at the start of the 2023 season, helping to develop the team under Drillton Capital ownership and becoming a consistent midfield runner. Currently sitting fifth in the rankings, Bowles is currently committing long-term with Williams back to the sharp end of the grid and targets fighting for future victory and championships.
“We are excited that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and has promised his future to complete the mission we are with,” said Williams and Drillton’s capital president Matthew Savage. “He brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the challenge of bringing Williams back to the top step on the podium. We’re not there yet, but we can feel the momentum we’re building on the glove and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
Williams has scored more points this season than he has in the past three years. He only scored twice in 2025.
“We are delighted to sign a new deal with Atlassian Williams Racing, which feels like home from the moment we walk down the door,” Bowles said. “This iconic team has already given me some incredible memories. We are all united in our ambitions to build our legacy and win the World Championships again. For the past two years, we have focused on revising the foundation and now we have a platform for glory.”
Vowles is already the principal of the fifth-longest serving team on the grid, behind Red Bull’s Christian Horner, Mercedes’ Toto Wolf, McLaren’s Andrea Stella and Ferrari’s Fred Basser.