James Vowles Set to Return to Racing at Gulf 12 Hours
Williams team principal James Vowles will compete in the Gulf 12 Hours, scheduled for December 14 at Yas Marina Circuit, following the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Vowles, who has not participated in a competitive race since 2022, will join the Garage 59 entry, sharing a McLaren GT3 EVO with drivers Alexander West, Mark Sansom, and Marco Pulcini.
Since taking over as Williams Team Principal in early 2023, Vowles has primarily focused on his leadership role but has remained engaged with testing duties at Garage 59 throughout the year. “The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish,” Vowles stated. “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.”
Vowles will face unique challenges as he transitions back to racing, with his own team principal, Andrew Kirkaldy, noting the valuable insights Vowles brings from his background with Mercedes. “His approach and professionalism, and of course his knowledge of strategy, made it a very enjoyable collaboration,” Kirkaldy remarked, expressing enthusiasm for their joint effort in the upcoming race.
Vowles’ participation follows a notable trend of F1 figures in endurance racing, including Kevin Magnussen’s appearance with his father, Jan, in the 2022 Gulf 12 Hours, where they finished seventh overall.
