Williams F1 chief James Vowles celebrates victory in racing return

Williams team principal James Vowles made his competitive racing return at the 2025 Gulf 12 Hours with Garage 59.

Vowles's appearance came three years after his previous stint in the driver's seat in 2022, when the Briton competed in the Asian Le Mans Series in a McLaren 720S GT3 with Garage 59.

After taking part in a two-day test in the same car at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain between the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, Vowles confirmed he would head from the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to take part in the Gulf 12 Hours.

“The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish. Garage 59 is a team I know well from our time together in 2022," the Williams team chief said ahead of the race.

“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.” 

Racing alongside Pro-Am winner Alexander West, two-time International GT Open Pro-Am champion Marco Pulcini and 2025 International GT Open Am runner-up Mark Sansom, the team claimed the victory in the Am category.

James Vowles, Williams

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

"Fantastic! AM category winners after 12 tough hours of racing alongside some incredible drivers and teams," Vowles wrote on social media. "This victory means that, for the second consecutive year, Garage 59 leaves the Gulf 12 Hours as class winners.

"From 09:00 this morning through until 23:00 this evening, we gave it everything and we couldn’t be happier with this result. Thank you to everyone for the support over the past few days and those who came out in person.

"A final thanks to Alex, Mark and Marco. Brilliant teammates. Thank you to Garage 59. Really happy with my progress and a weekend I won’t forget."