Williams have confirmed James Vowles as their new team principal for the 2023 F1 season.
Jost Capito stepped down from his role in December after leading the team for two campaigns, with Vowles' arrival now agreed. The 43-year-old had been working as Strategy Director at Mercedes and has been seen celebrating with former world champion Lewis Hamilton in the past.
Vowles has also worked with Honda and Brawn, playing a key role in Jenson Button's world title victory back in 2009, before the transition to Mercedes.
"I cannot wait to start with Williams Racing. It's an honour 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," he said.
"Mercedes have been hugely supportive on my journey, and we part on excellent terms after over 20 years of working in Brackley. I am grateful for everything Toto Wolff and the team have provided, and it has been such a special experience to journey together through failure and success.
"Williams Racing have placed their faith and trust in me, and I will do the same in return. Williams has tremendous potential, and our journey together starts in a matter of weeks.”
Williams will be looking for a much-improved campaign in 2023 after finishing in 10th in the Constructors' Championship last time out.
Nicholas Latifi and Alexander Albon finished in 19th and 20th in the overall standings too, with 9th-place the highest either driver finished over the course of the campaign.
American rookie Logan Sargeant will join for this season after impressing in F2, replacing Latifi.
On Vowles' departure, Williams-Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said: "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.”
