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Williams has appointed Mercedes strategist James Vowles as its new team princpial.

Vowels has been with Mercedes since its inception in 2010, and for the last four years has served as the team’s Motorsport Strategy Director.

His move to Williams makes him their third Team Principal in the 46-year history of the Grove squad.

“I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It’s an honour to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage,” Vowels said.

“The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

The move completes the recent merry-go-round of F1 managerial changes, which started when Jost Capito left Williams in December.

A flurry of moves followed, with Frederic Vasseur replacing Mattia Binotto at Ferrari, Andreas Seidl leaving McLaren to go to Alfa Romeo, and Andrea Stella in turn taking Seidl’s spot.

Vowels will move to Williams in February. Ahead of this, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff wished Vowles all the best in his new role.

He said: “I first joined the team in 2013, I know how diligent, capable and talented he is and have taken great satisfaction from watching James develop and grow over the past decade.

“Since stepping back from the pit wall mid-season last year, he has continued to build the capability of our strategy team at Brackley, and we have a fantastic group of talented strategists who will continue their superb work in the years to come. 

“While we are naturally sad to be saying goodbye to such a capable member of the team, I have no doubts whatsoever that he has all the necessary skills to become a fantastic Team Principal in Formula One. We wish him every success and are delighted that he will take this next step in his career with Williams, a strong technical partner of ours and one that has a place close to my own heart.”