Croft: Vowles is the best team manager in 2023

Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft believes new Williams team boss James Vowles has done an even better job than his colleague from Red Bull Racing champion Christian Horner…

David Croft: “For me, Vowles was without a doubt the best team leader of last season. He only had three months to get used to it, which was clearly not enough to implement any plan that would allow him to quickly achieve good results.

During the tests I saw how he makes small adjustments to Williams’ work, which immediately give the desired effect. He brought the approach they take at Mercedes to Williams and told the staff: “I know you do it this way, but try to do it differently.”

At the same time, he organized operations behind the scenes, made long-term planning and determined where he needed key technical personnel. The arrival of Pat Fry as technical director did not come as a surprise to me.

He worked 16 hours a day. We had a good chat in Baku when he left the job and I returned to the hotel. It was quite late. I asked, “Are you okay?” He replied: “I’m tired, but I like it. I knew it was a big job, but I didn’t know how big it would be, but I’m really enjoying it.”

It was in Baku. We’ve talked a lot since then and he still really likes it. He works brilliantly with sponsors, communicates with the press, explains not only what concerns Williams, but also what is happening on track. He communicates with fans, including directly on social networks. It inspires people.

I think in three or four years he will become one of the best leaders of top teams. I really think so. He understands marketing. He is an engineer by profession. He is an excellent strategist. He finds a common language with the racers. And he begins to understand politics.

In the future, Vowles could become the boss of a big team. I really hope he becomes one because he fully deserves it, having worked tirelessly for success.”