Williams F1 team boss James Vowles has outlined what he believes is a realistic timeline for the team’s return to past glories, targeting the 2028 season as a potential year to compete at the front of the field and challenge for Grand Prix victories.
Vowles, who joined Williams F1 in early 2023, has been tasked with restoring the team’s halcyon dominant era, aiming to replicate the success of the 1980s and 1990s when they secured nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles.
Following a significant improvement from last year’s bottom-of-the-grid finish to seventh place, Williams currently sits in ninth position in the 2023 constructors’ championship.
Speaking after the summer break, Vowles was asked about the timeframe for achieving race wins, following comments from Alex Albon suggesting that it could be possible by 2027. While Vowles acknowledged Albon’s optimism, he expressed a more cautious outlook, suggesting that 2028 is a more realistic target.
Vowles’ efforts to revitalize the team were recently strengthened by the signing of Carlos Sainz, who chose Williams over several other teams, reflecting his confidence in the team’s future. However, Vowles emphasized that this is just one step in a long journey, and much work remains before Williams can achieve its goals.
During a media interview Volwles explained his strategy:
“I think if you ask me to commit to a date, I would have said more ’28, but I think the point is we should be on the right journey to get towards there as well.”
“Getting it right is the real key behind being successful in F1, not for one year but for many, many years in front. [So], ’28 I’d be a lot more confident about looking you in the eyes and saying, “Yes.”
“There’s quite a bit of investment, senior management and other elements, that are kicking in for ’26 and ’27. It takes time in F1. We can shortcut some bits and I’m sure we can have some faster performance [coming] to the table, but you won’t have the foundations in place, and it will collapse at some point.”
