Creating change at WilliamsF1

I have always had a soft spot for the WilliamsF1 team after spending three years delivering fifty business acumen workshops based on Formula 1 to an international London-based law firm at the team’s headquarters and conference center in Grove, UK. This experience provided the initial research for “Performance at the Limit, Business Lessons from Formula 1 Racing. I also had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Sir Frank Williams on several occasions.

This past weekend, the WilliamsF1 team had a Barcelona Grand Prix to forget; however, after nine races this season, they sit 5th in the Constructors’ Championship. This after finishing the 2024 season in next to last position.

Joe Pompliano has written an excellent article, “Inside the $200 Million Gamble That’s Turning Heads in Formula 1,” about how, after his arrival from MercedesF1, James Vowles is rebuilding the WilliamsF1 team. The story reflects many concepts that I cover when speaking on how Formula 1 racing excellence can be turned into useful, business wisdom. Here are a few highlights:

·         THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING. The information and database gap that Vowles discovered highlighted inefficiencies and possibilities for miscommunications.

·        

TIMEFRAME FOR CHANGE.  A guiding vision is essential, but it is important to manage expectations with realistic targets.

·        

PEOPLE FIRST. While Formula 1 is famously the pinnacle in racing engineering and technical design, from the start Vowles, prioritized putting the right people in the right place.

·        

ENABLING CULTURE. Vowles’ leadership style emphasises creating a no blame, collaborative environment which focuses on transparency and accountability.

·        

MINDSETS. To reframe how employees and all stakeholders prepare for the challenging road ahead, Vowles is rebranding Williams as a “resurgent contender” rather than a perennial backmarker or nostalgic old team

·        

FINDING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. With many changes introduced for the 2026 season, WilliamsF1 is searching the 260 pages of technical regulations to find and implement innovations that will give them a competitive edge to hit the ground running in 2026