James Vowles Returns to Racing at Gulf 12 Hours

James Vowles, the Team Principal of Williams Racing, is set to return to competitive racing at the 2025 Gulf 12 Hours, scheduled for December 14 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Vowles will drive a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, fielded by the British team Garage 59, alongside notable co-drivers including Alexander West, Marco Pulcini, and Mark Sansom.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racingWIlliams F1 Boss James Vowles Joins Garage 59 For Gulf 12 HoursJames Vowles to make racing return at Gulf 12 Hours

Vowles, 46, has a history with Garage 59, having previously raced with them in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series, where he scored points in all four rounds. His return to racing comes after a three-year hiatus, during which he focused on his role at Williams, a team he joined in 2023. Under his leadership, Williams has shown significant improvement, currently sitting just 17 points shy of their total from 2016.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

• James Vowles: Team Principal of Williams Racing, returning to racing after a break to focus on his leadership role.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

• Garage 59: A British motor racing team founded in 2016, known for its success in various championships, including the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

James Vowles to make racing return at Gulf 12 Hours

• Alexander West: 2024 Pro-Am winner and Vowles' co-driver for the Gulf 12 Hours.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

• Marco Pulcini: Two-time International GT Open Pro-Am champion and co-driver.

James Vowles to make racing return at Gulf 12 Hours

• Mark Sansom: 2025 Am runner-up in the International GT Open, also sharing the car with Vowles.

WIlliams F1 Boss James Vowles Joins Garage 59 For Gulf 12 Hours

Vowles expressed enthusiasm about his return, stating, “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, and the Gulf 12 Hours is a fantastic event with a competitive grid.” Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal of Garage 59, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Vowles' professionalism and strategic knowledge during their previous collaboration.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

Vowles' participation in the Gulf 12 Hours not only marks his return to the driver's seat but also reflects the growing momentum of Williams Racing under his leadership. The event serves as a platform for Vowles to reconnect with his racing roots while showcasing the capabilities of the Garage 59 team. This return could also enhance Vowles' strategic insights as he continues to guide Williams in Formula 1.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

The Gulf 12 Hours will be a significant event for Vowles, occurring just a week after the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season. His performance in this endurance race may influence his approach to the upcoming F1 season and further establish his dual role as both a team principal and a competitor.

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

• “The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish.” — James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing

F1 team principal to make a stunning return to racing

• “We thoroughly enjoyed working with James during the 2022 Asian Le Mans campaign,” — Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, Garage 59

WIlliams F1 Boss James Vowles Joins Garage 59 For Gulf 12 Hours