Williams announces key Mercedes man as new team principal and Toto Wolff responds

This could prove to be a blow to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's hopes of chasing Max Verstappen next season.

Vowles said: "I can't wait to get started with Williams Racing. It's an honor to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, a team that I have enormous respect for. and I look forward to the challenge. Williams Racing has placed its faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. The team has enormous potential, and our journey together begins in a few weeks."

Vowles also enjoyed a successful spell at Brawn GP, ​​helping the team win the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship in 2009. The 43-year-old had a special message for his Mercedes colleagues and the boss of the team, Toto Wolff, upon his departure. .