Williams F1 Team Principal Reflects on FW14B Experience at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Goodwood, UK — James Vowles, team principal of the Williams Formula 1 team, recently had the opportunity to drive the historic FW14B during the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This iconic car, driven by Nigel Mansell to the 1992 World Championship, exemplified the pinnacle of F1 engineering at the time.
Vowles described his experience as a "dream day," noting the car’s pristine condition. "Everything is one of one in this one," he stated, emphasizing the significance of preserving such history. The FW14B, designed by Adrian Newey, features a potent 3.5-litre V10 engine, capable of producing around 750 horsepower.
Reflecting on the differences between past and present F1 machinery, Vowles remarked on the compactness of the pedal box, stating, "I can’t get my feet in all at the same time… everything’s just really compact and made to be a racing car on the edge." This observation highlights the evolution of driver ergonomics and design priorities in modern F1 cars.
The FW14B won 10 out of 16 races in the 1992 season, with Mansell achieving a remarkable nine victories, a testament to both the car’s performance and the engineering prowess of that era. As Vowles acknowledged, "We have it so good these days," a reflection on the advancements in technology and driver safety in contemporary Formula 1.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a driver from Sauber F1, expressed keen interest in the FW14B, indicating the lasting impact of such historic cars on new generations of drivers.
Overall, Vowles’ experience at Goodwood served not only as a nostalgic journey through F1 history but also as a reminder of the continuous innovation that characterizes the sport today.
