F1's James Vowles returns to racing in Abu Dhabi

(GMM) Williams boss James Vowles (pictured) will return to competitive racing next month in the Gulf 12 Hours, driving a McLaren GT3 Evo for Garage 59.

The 46-year-old last raced for the team in the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series and has carried out testing this year to prepare for his comeback – including a two-day program at Navarra to sample the upgraded McLaren.

“The chance to put on a race helmet again is something I relish,” Vowles said. “Garage 59 is a team I know well. It will be a pleasure.”

Vowles will race as part of the four-driver lineup at Yas Marina on December 14.

After completing a couple of successful GT3 test days over the past few months, I am delighted to announce I will be returning to competitive racing this December with the Garage 59 team, for the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi in GT3.

It’s a strong line up, looking forward to… pic.twitter.com/gdmHXljsof

— James Vowles (@JV_F1) November 26, 2025

Before joining Williams, Vowles was the motorsport strategy director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. He was also responsible for the Brawn GP race strategy, which was critical to the team’s championship-winning 2009 season.

He has worked in Formula One for over 20 years, including under the leadership of team principals David Richards, Ross Brawn, and Toto Wolff, and has played a key role in nine Constructors’ Championships, eight Drivers’ Championships and over 100 Grand Prix wins.

Vowles grew up in Switzerland and is fluent in French. He currently lives in Oxford with his wife, who is a consultant breast surgeon for the NHS. They have two children, born in 2023 and 2025