This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a Formula 1 leader on building culture, pushing boundaries and cultivating discipline.
James Vowles is the Team Principal of Williams Racing, joining the team in January 2022 after leaving his position as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. James’ motorsport career has spanned over two decades and began with him writing letters to F1 teams whilst at university, offering his skills for free.
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In this episode, James explores the core elements that distinguish a championship-winning team, with people and culture being paramount. He delves into the challenges faced during his career, including dealing with significant job losses, and why it’s crucial for him to earn his place within the team.
Offering a unique perspective into the F1 world, James details his experience managing the egos and expectations of generational talents including Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. James also reveals his reason for leaving Mercedes at the top of their game to join Williams as Team Principal, sharing the difficulties of that transition and how he overcame them.
Achieving such consistent success demanded sacrifices; James reflects on how this has strained his relationships throughout his career, and whether he would make the same sacrifices if given the chance to do it all over again.
0:00 Introduction
0:56 What Is High Performance?
2:50 "Good Not Great" In School
5:39 The Best In The World?
7:08 Self-Awareness
10:26 Writing Letters To F1 Teams
13:04 Starting Out In Junior GT & Formula Ford
14:01 Applying To Cranfield University
17:05 What Makes a Championship Winning Team?
19:14 Working For Honda F1 in 2008
21:10 Sleeping In The Office
26:08 The Transition Into Mercedes F1
31:06 Changing The Culture
36:00 Working With Talented Drivers
39:00 Hamilton & Rosberg At Mercedes
42:24 Michael Schumacher
44:25 Lewis Hamilton
47:15 Leaving Mercedes For Williams
49:56 Toto Wolff's Advice
50:31 Day 1 At Williams
55:24 What Is Good Failure?
56:51 Being A Role Model
1:00:54 Quick-Fire Questions
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How many podiums can Williams achieve this coming 2024 season? 💙
6..... I think this team is going places
How many fucking ads am I gonna skip while watching this
0
Maybe a few top 8 finishes well only for albon logans worse then goatifi and mazespin
0. top 10 i would say possibly 5. hard to get into top 10 with 4 if not 5 teams are practically fighting for those positions. other teams needs a real step up to get into top 10 for their drivers. machinery wise getting top 8 is going to be incredibly tough for the drivers
He’s very impressive. The kind of bloke you could throw in any situation and he will excel
Well, this is relevant now...
@@kieranfield5463 The companies' Excel guru.
Glad to see him with Williams tbh. the team has performed well since he's got here.
I think albon is the main reason for William’s success.
@@eduardosantana8300I think it's both.
I’d say it started with Capito and Dorlinton. Dorlinton gave them stability, Capito gave them back their spirit. Vowles now is giving them direction. The car last year was mainly Capito and Demaison, but you could see the race operations improving already. Let’s see where they are in a couple of years, but it looks good
@@mackayoko Well said
Since Williams found some money again.
James and Alex are why I've been supporting Williams as my 2nd team. I have a lot of hope for Williams to come back to form with James and Alex leading the way.
totally agree! i just hope Alex can see the future that James is bringing and stays at Williams and not make a "bad" jump to another team this coming silly season.
What's your first team? I'm McLaren and Williams :)
james yes. alex no
Think most of us British f1 fans have a soft spot for Williams. Just look back at what these wizards created. The active suspension car was genius. Patrick head and Frank at the helm. Claire tried to do her best but funding became a huge problem. Glad to see they are funded well now. And another really clever man at the helm.
@@John_wicks-dad I am American thru and thru but I am a Williams fan not because of Logan either.
Mr Vowles' level of intelligence and articulating prowess is next level. The utmost respect to him and I wish him all the best at Williams
Fabulous insight. James was on the first year of the Motorsport Engineering MSc at Cranfield University. I have now retired, having been the Programme Director for this and other motorsport and automotive MSc courses at Cranfield but I still maintain contact with alumni, many of whom have gone onto successful careers in motorsport. I am proud of the achievements of James and his peers. People, behaviours and culture are key to success as is honesty and James exhibits this.
Hi Clive, Hope you are doing well and enjoying retirement! I may be a long way off reaching James’ level but can confirm to many out there that Cranfield were instrumental in getting me where I am now.
Wow. I had no idea this was something a student could specifically major in or that any university offered such a program.
It's amazing to see how far the alumni of this program have gone! I am delighted to say that I have been accepted for this up coming school year at Cranfield for an MSc in Motorsports Engineering and I can only hope that I can reach heights as great as James has.
Valtteri, it’s James…
lol
To whom it may concern...
James it’s Alex
James, is Valtteri..
The meme will go on forever.
What an impressive leader. It must be quite inspiring to work with him. Netflix painted him in such a bad, goofy way. This guy has the talent to become one of the best.
Wow, what an interview. I don't know that I've ever sat through a conversation where I've been utterly captivated by the quality, honesty and integrity such as this.
seriously an hour well spent
Absolutely my sentiments , brilliant .
He was by far my favourite host for the Mercedes Race Debriefs when he was there. He's so well spoken and his voice is audiobook material. Knowing the journey behind the mastermind on the pitwall makes me appreciate him even more. I would definitely love to have the chance to meet him one day.
He keeps doing them at Williams too, they're fantastic.
He's brilliant, his voice is amazing.
The way he talks about Lewis you can tell Lewis is an absolute machine.
Schumacher and Verstappen are machines. Lewis is foremost extremely talented.
@@knowntobehonestNa..his rookie year alone proves machine material, right up there with Schumacher, Verstappen on the other hand is foremost talented. Pair him up with an equally talented teammate, then we can talk.
@@Wormwood-007 I feel Leclerc would out qualify Max very often in same car, race pace Leclerc is extremelly fast as well.
@@GabrijelPezeljCharles is slower than Max on race pace. Max’ focus is always on the race, the car set up, tyre management, strategy, Max is better prepared for the race than Charles and that shows in the race. He ON PURPOSE doesn’t set the car for 1lap pace but race pace. Charles does the opposite.
@@knowntobehonestdid you not take note. The man said Lewis is naturally more talented than Michael. Manufactured Max is only shining because of a cost cap car, and had Masi as a team-mate, also giving Max Uber drivers as team-mates. Put Max against the top new gen of drivers (Russell, Charles, Lando) and max wouldnt shine so bright yet alone legends like Michael, Alonso, and Lewis.
One of the best things about James is that he tries to give an example for the claims he makes, go to show how he’s a person driven by facts and data
True
I honestly feel pumped for Williams ever since I've started watching interviews of his. As you say, he gives an example or explanation for each point he makes so that everyone can understand him. Like he said himself, he's that rare combination of a highly intelligent person that has sufficient "EQ" to make the things he says understandable for everybody else. It's the perfect blend for a leadership role in a highly technical environment. I'm absolutely convinced now that if Williams gives him sufficient resources, they'll start moving up the grid year by year. It'll take time still before they'll reach the front, but with him at the helm they'll get there.
Hope he will be the one to take williams back to the front, always rooting for that team!
Not only is James a huge influence on the Williams team. He's proving to be a fantastic piece of Marketing PR too. Excellent human.
James should be an inspirational speaker when he retiers. So many life lessons in this video.
Dont even compare an incredible wise and skillfull guy like James Vowles to inspirational speakers. Please.
It's at these moments that I come to realize just what it takes to be successful in Formula One. Vowles is a beast. This guy is unbelievably skilled
What a clever genuine person and he will make Williams great again. Bravo James.
This is the first one of these that I've thought "yeah, thats not for me". That level of professional dedication, It's bleak!
If anyone can return Williams to greatness, it’s him. And I wish him all the very best.
What a fantastic interview. James is one unbelievable clever, driven, caring guy I’ve listened to in any sport for years. What an asset to the Williams F1 team, someone I think Frank Williams would be very proud of to have in his team. Wish everyone in the Williams team a great season ahead.
That's the best podcast I've spent an hour watching. James is an inspiration and just listening to this has made me think about my life and career.
First of all, his voice is mesmerizing. Can't help but listen to whatever it is he is saying. Second, he has amazing insights. Honestly did not expect the extremely high intelligence. I know he is smart, but now knowing more about his background, it is even more amazing! Excited to see more from Williams in the coming years.
If there's anyone in F1 management that has wow'ed in recent years, it's this man! Inspirational and natural leader. I am confident of Williams' upper trajectory with James on board.
I truly admire James. Up until he took on his current role at Williams, I never really paid much attention to him. But since then, I listened to many of his interviews and it was a revelation. This guy is genuine, passionate, has very high moral values, he is very smart and wise. He walks the talk. I am confident that he will succeed in bringing Williams back to their winning ways. He is a great leader.
He has always had something trusting about him in the debriefs he used to do, you didnt feel it was the PR BS from him, he felt the loses and mistakes like we did.
Valterri probably gets nightmares of this guy in his sleep
After watching this excellent interview is anyone else thinking; ‘I need to do better and give myself and my life a kick up the arse?’
Outstanding . Look forward to seeing Williams rise back up
I sat here listening for an hour and I feel like I could sit for another 5. James is such an interesting person and his level of interest and passion in the things he does is infectious. Always a pleasure to hear him talk about F1.
As a Williams fan since 2012 I’ve never felt this excited about the future of the team. James is incredible!
It is so great to see James in Williams and sharing his experience on getting to F1. I have to say it is very difficult in the present day to get into Formula One especially if you are from a country where there are no constructors, drivers or teams.
He speaks so well, understands stuff so well and yet renews Sargeant contract.
Seriously what a man!
he's a proper legend isn't he
This is a really good interview, with great insight with regards to a teams life cycle. I was taken aback with these parts, 31:06 & 36:00 as it was profound and helped me understand Lewis a little bit. Lewis was all about the wins at any cost, but when he migrated from McLaren to Mercedes, there was a clear shift in mind set. So going back to what James said about culture and being the person you want others to be, indicates they had the right recipe for the 'secret sauce'.
Williams got themselves a very experienced smart engineer, operator, strategist and overall high performer.
This was one of the best and most insightful conversations I've heard from you gents, thank you both, and thank you, James!
With the wife out, dinner on the table and watching and listening to this (and your other podcasts) is just very relaxing and inspiring at the same time. So glad that you have an hour and more to really deep dive into matters, rather than just shallow interviews. I find your guests and your interviewing inspirational. And of course, James is a great person to listen to. Thank you!!
This interview with James is one of the most inspiring and motivating I have seen in a long time. Thank you, James.
Holy crap that was incredible. James is amazing.
brilliant interview. we are so lucky to have access to all of these successful people. I wish there was something like this when I was in my teens now in late 30s, thanks Jake and the team.
I will rewatch this podcast every month from now on. Fantastic talk. Could be life changing...
Rooting for him and Williams ! What a guy
How nice to hear, honest, frank, non-rehearst information about the sport. Thank you!!
That was a great interview. I appreciated James honesty. It gave me insight into what greatness is in anything we do.
Brilliant, thank you very much 🙏 one of the best interviews and interviewed individuals I ever enjoyed to watch 🙏
Hidden gem of an episode this one. Didn't realise how brilliant James, came across as an amazing team mate full of wisdom
One of the most interesting podcasts I have watched , such a knowledgeable person , I can see why he is a successful engineer . So good I could listen to it again
Great person for an interview!
"Lets Bring it in and call it a day, LETS LOOK AFTER YOU" oh to hear this from your boss when your career is at risk and you have to retire early in exhausting race as a rookie, speaks volumes about the man that james vowles is.
That is one of those moments that really solidified him as a leader for me - and I am sure for others, too. That's the "I will follow you anywhere we need to go" stuff - and I am sure it had the same effect on Logan.
Logan had been ill all week with fever…. He was extra at risk that weekend in Qatar. That’s why he HAD to stop and be taken care of. And that’s why the team were so extra understanding.
@@walover165 Logan had been ill all week with fever…. He was extra at risk that weekend in Qatar. That’s why he HAD to stop and be taken care of. And that’s why the team were so extra understanding.
@@Redlingstein Yes, I am well aware. It's still a credit to James and Williams. I think we all know that had that been Steiner and Haas and Mick...well, Mick would have been fired before he could even get out of the car.
Probably one of the best and most interesting interviews ive heard in a long time
this is one of the best interview and talk I ever watched, inspirational!
I could listen to him for hours. What an amazingly spoken man.
Honestly one of the best interviews iv ever watched such honesty anyone could take tips from this bloke what a guy.
A great interview of a very competent individual. Great questions and brilliant, thoughtful answers. I wish him and the Williams team every success.
Excellent interview. It's great to get to know some of the other people in F1, other than the drivers, because it really is a team game and too often the drivers get all the credit. I've been a Williams fan since Alan Jones and the FW06. Always impressed by Frank's drive and passion. I would love to see James return the team to proper prominence, even if the Williams family is no longer involved.
That was an absolutely fascinating conversation. Excellent.
Just listening to James feels like I'm gaining mental clarity. Fantastic interview!
Outstanding. The best and most educational interview I've seen in years. Please give us more. Thank you James.
Brilliant interview! Really enjoyed listening to James and wish him and the whole William's team the best for the coming season 😊
What an interview. It is truly humbling to listen to such dedication and such wit. I believe I am a fairly intelligent person (academically - I have two masters degrees) but I will always lack what make people truly elite. This is an outstanding example of what it takes to make it in what is indeed an elite industry. Well done
Wonder if we could get him to Liverpool FC for next season!? 😅
What a brilliant brilliant interview. Thank you James for your candor ❤❤
He was part of the Legendary Brawn GP team. No doubts this man will excel in face of hardships. He has seen and experienced first hand how it's done.
So open and honest brilliant from James 🏁👊🏻
This is a fantastic interview with a brilliant man. Thanks for the upload. I came away from this video with a few new ideas and perspectives - that doesn't happen much.
This guy is insanely driven. Within 12 1/2 minutes, I just know this guy is one of those who doesn't just "dream"
F1 can be brutal, this gentleman is up for the task
This was a fascinating and brilliant conversation!👏
A lot of admiration and respect for James, one of the best interviews on the mind of a future World Champion. Thanks Cheers 😊
Just about the most inspiring interview I have ever watched. Bravo!
It's one of the best podcasts I have listened to. It makes a good studying material, bringing a lot of useful information that can be applied in organisations/to teams. It also gives some advice on how to succeed and what it takes. Well done for the podcast 👏
Powerful conversation.
After all those years of pain Williams have the right TP.
Its abt the investments too…. Frank Williams didn’t want to invest in what needed to be invested in unfort. That did hold them back after the hybrid engines and ground floor regs came in play. James is lucky that the American investment company DOES want to invest in the team. He can finally make changes….
This was great to listen to ! incredible leadership at the MRCs
What a fascinating man and interview. It’s given me a whole new insight to William’s and looking forward to see them grow into James’ 2026 vision.
Such an inspiring character. Great interview guys!
3:28 That's funny - I used to time myself on my bike to school too. And always wondered where I could chew off time and what to do if the wind would turn, or increase.
Best wishes to Williams... This was an exceptional interview.
Great interview, thank you.
wow I new James was cool (every since you could here his voice on radio Lewis, here is James :D) but this interview is beyond everything. I need this guy as a mentor in our company! that mindset blows my mind. incredible person, minset, words ... just everything you feel the passion! And therefore I am sure James will bring back Williams to the top where it once was!
Love hearing from James. Always respected Nico's retirement as it was clear there were sacrifices that he made to achieve his championship, but very interesting to hear more about the sacrifices James has made too, and it brings that point to life a little more for me, love this kind of insight.
The letters he wrote for guidance rather then direct applications are gold in any really challenging profession. And it's funny how every single time i heard someone doing it, it's one or two out of a bunch that provide guidance. As if they had talled to each other who get's little James under his wings, which they certainly didn't. Should become generell practice in HR.
24:49 the level of dedication and personal sacrifice hits hard... every success comes at a price which I personally (we all in some shape and form) can relate..
What an interview. Picking James brain. Great job guys.
I enjoyed this episode and learned so much from James. I can also relate a lot to his experiences too. Simply fascinating interview!
Wow what an individual! Truly inspiring!
Wonderful interview!!
What awesome chap ! Hope you have a great season 👍
James is the type of person who I could listen to all day long, talk about any topic under the sun. He brings such an insightful perspective that gives you the confidence and belief that good things are going to happen.
Outstanding bloke. Excellent interview. I like that you just let him talk. No bs. Just the words of a very inspiring man. 👍
I love James as a team principle!
Would love to see him turn the Williams team around to a top team.....amazing insights into what goes on behind the scenes! Good luck for the future!
Thank you the quality content ❤
“If you win a world championship in an unfair or un-gentlemanlike fashion, you will regret it for the rest of your life” God I hope Max Verstappen watches that bit *
Tell that to Lewis in regards to Abu dhabi GP 2016. He held back his teammate intentionally and gave the intention that any chance Rosberg took to overtake him will end him pushed out of the road. Great drivers are all the same, they don't care how, they just want to win and nothing else. This is what separates the likes of Alonso, Lewis, Michael, Seb and Max from the rest.
I enjoyed that bit. As Murray Walker said: " Lewis is a clean racer..."
I started to screen record a line to give to my kids and the recording just kept going.. Pure gold
Love the interview 👌👍
Impressed by his dedication and IQ in combo with EQ. Rare.
Really good interview 👍
What a guy, I wish there was 3 more hours… I want stories and moments anecdotes what he tells is quite insightful for everyone
The fact he said they knew that the championship was already going to be theirs before they had even turned a wheel is very interesting
Incredible interview!