Mercedes’ director of strategy James Vowles will assume the role of team principal with Williams on Feb. 20, the latter team announced Friday.

Vowles, 43, effectively fills the position left vacant position by Jost Capito, who departed the team after it placed at the bottom of the 2022 Formula 1 standings.

“I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It’s an honor to join a team with such an incredibly rich heritage. The team is an icon of our sport, one I greatly respect, and I am very much looking forward to the challenge,” Vowles said.

“Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. The team has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks.”

The British engineer has spent approximately two decades in F1 with Mercedes, Brawn GP, Honda and BAR and the Silver Arrows.

“We are delighted to welcome James to Williams Racing,” Dorilton Capital chairman Matthew Savage said.

“He is one of the most highly respected talents in Formula 1 and will bring performance. He has been a key part of some of the most impressive feats in the sport over the past 15 years.

“As we continue our relentless pursuit for results, we believe that the appointment of James reinforces our dedication to ensuring we have energetic, experienced, and strong leadership as we move into the next phase of transforming Williams Racing.”

–Field Level Media