Williams team principal James Vowles is set to return to competitive racing this December, driving a Garage 59-prepared McLaren GT3 Evo in the Gulf 12 Hours. On the verge of guiding Williams to their best Constructors' Championship finish since 2023, Vowles also brings his own racing pedigree, having previously competed in the Asian Le Mans Series in 2022.
The Gulf 12 Hours is scheduled for December 14, just one week after the 2025 Formula 1 season concludes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Williams team principal James Vowles will return to racing at Yas Marina, having sharpened his skills with test sessions at Jerez and Navarra while balancing his F1 duties. He will share the Garage 59-prepared McLaren GT3 Evo with Alexander West, Mark Sansom, and Marco Pulcini, an experienced trio that strengthens the team's lineup for the endurance challenge.
Williams F1 team principal James Vowles announced his racing comeback on Instagram, writing: "After completing a couple of successful GT3 test days over the past few months, I am delighted to announce I will be returning to competitive racing this December with the @Garage_59 team, for the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi in GT3."
It's a strong lineup, looking forward to getting back behind the wheel."
However, Vowles must first focus on the ongoing Formula 1 season, which has just two races remaining. Before stepping back into the cockpit, his priority is securing Williams' fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. The team currently holds a 31-point advantage over sixth-placed Racing Bulls as they head into Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix.