Williams Racing Formula 1 Team Principal James Vowles on his love of Geneva, dream cars and mountain rescues

Are you a good driver? 
On the road, when I’m very focused, I think I’m reasonable. On a racetrack, though, the beauty of our sport is you get exposed to human beings who can do things you can’t even dream of doing, which is a bit of a reality check – but I’d say I’m above average!

How many times did you take your test?
I did my driving test in Geneva, Switzerland, where I was living as a teenager. The test process is different there. I had a motorbike licence from when I was 16, but you can’t start the work required to get your licence for a car until you’re 18. First, you must do an exam and a first-aid course and pass those before you can do your theory, and then you can book your practical test. I was so passionate about driving that, just ten days after my 18th birthday, I passed my test first time.

What was your first car?
It was the car I passed my driving test in and it’s quite poetic – it was a Renault Clio Williams. I kept that car until I moved to the UK from Switzerland, which was about four years later. It was incredibly special. I think drivers often have regrets later on about selling vehicles they loved.

First time you drove abroad?
It’s never fazed me which side of the car the steering wheel is on. When I was at university I would go between the UK and back to Switzerland and I always drove, never flew, and the 12 hours in the car just thinking and talking about life were always enjoyable. The route would take you across France and it’s a lovely journey.

Your favourite road trip destination?
I still have all my family in Geneva, so I’m very fortunate that I still head there for road trips. I get together with a load of friends and pile some motorbikes into a van and ride around the Alps. We all have built-in radios so we can talk and banter while we’re riding. It’s very special making memories and creating stories with friends and family while riding on these incredible twisty mountain roads.

Have you ever crashed? 
Yes, I crashed on the road once. It was minor! It was a road that looped back on itself multiple times before coming on to a motorway. I went on the throttle as I thought the loop had finished but I was a bit too early. It was a slide into a kerb.

Prone to road rage? 
Not at all. I feel for individuals who suffer from road rage as something is triggering them, but I suspect they may not understand the danger they’re putting themselves and other people in.

What’s your ultimate driving album? 
When I was younger it was Now albums just because they were always an eclectic mix, but these days I enjoy great classic rock tunes playlists. Foo Fighters would definitely be in there.

Most dramatic road trip story? 
On one of the trips we took in the Alps in 2019, there was a small accident with one of the bikes. The bike was leaking a bit of oil, and we always had a support van, so we got together and put the bike on the van. My friend Toni and I went off to a local town, had a nice walk around and got some bonding glue before heading back. We made a hole, used a metallic bonding paste, then let it set and fixed it up. We had it up and running in just a few hours and were back on the road trip so, technically, we executed a mountain rescue!

What car do you own now? 
A Porsche Taycan and a BMW M3.

What’s your dream car?
I have two. The ultimate was always a McLaren F1 (pictured above). I used to go to Park Lane when I was younger and stare at that car for hours. It’s iconic and reminds me of everything in my childhood. But these days it would be a Porsche 911 GT3RS.

Describe your relationship to driving in five words or fewer. 
Passion, exploration, happiness. My life.

James Vowles is the Team Principal of Williams Racing, one of the top three most successful teams in Formula 1 history, with nine Constructors’ World Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships to its name. You can follow the team on its social media channels @williamsracing, at williamsf1.com or by downloading the official app.

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This article has been tagged Adventure, Driving