Williams have confirmed that team principal James Vowles has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the team. 

Vowles, who joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023, has set out a bold vision of returning the team to the front of the grid under his leadership. 

The 45-year-old has been a key figure for the Grove team, persuading Carlos Sainz to join them amid interest from Alpine and Sauber following his departure from Ferrari. 

Williams currently find themselves fifth in the constructors' championship this season, taking 55 points after 10 races, already their best return since the 2017 campaign. 

Their best finish in 2025 has been fifth so far, all coming from Alex Albon, at the Australian, Miami and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Sainz's best result was eighth in Saudi Arabia. 

"I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing, which has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door," said Vowles.

"This iconic team has already given me some incredible memories, and we are all united in our ambition to build on our legacy and win World Championships again.

"Over the past two years, we have focused on fixing the foundations, and now have a platform to go for glory in the years to come."

We’re pleased to announce Team Principal James Vowles, has signed a new long-term contract with the team

After starting in 2023, James has spearheaded a transformation of the team with one clear mission: return us to winning ways. Hear from James on his future with the team.

— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) June 19, 2025

Formula One's new regulation change, coming into force next season, has raised hopes for teams across the grid that they can propel themselves into a competitive position. 

With a Mercedes engine deal, Williams feels confident they will be in a strong position next season.

Matthew Savage, chairman of team owners Dorilton Capital, said: "We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and committed his future to completing the mission that we are on together.

"He has brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the task of restoring Williams to the top step of the podium. We aren't there yet, but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead."

The F1 calendar returns on June 29, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, a Grand Prix Williams last won in 1997 when Jacques Villeneuve was driving for the team.