Williams Racing announced a long-term extension Thursday for team principal James Vowles.

Vowles, 45, joined Williams in 2023 following an unprecedented run of success at Mercedes.

Following a ninth-place finish in 2024, the Williams team has climbed to fifth through 10 races this season.

“He has spearheaded a top-to-bottom transformation of Williams with one clear mission: to return an icon of Formula 1 to winning ways,” the team said in its announcement on Thursday.

Williams driver Alexander Albon is eighth in the standings and teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. is 13th.

“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing, which has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door,” Vowles said. “This iconic team has already given me some incredible memories and we are all united in our ambition to build on our legacy and win World Championships again.

“Over the past two years we have focused on fixing the foundations, and now have a platform to go for glory in the years to come.”

The team did not confirm the length of Vowles’ new contract.

Williams won the most recent of its nine constructors’ championships in 1997. Jacques Villeneuve won the team’s most recent drivers’ world championship that same year.

–Field Level Media