F1 | James Vowles backs Mercedes: “I’m sure they’ll be very strong in 2026”
According to Williams team principal James Vowles, the next F1 season already has a clear favorite.
Following a solid fifth-place finish in the 2025 season, Williams F1 approaches the 2026 technical regulation revolution with ambitions to continue improving. Fans of the Grove team hope to replicate the success of 2014, when, thanks to the decisive contribution of the Mercedes power unit, the British squad secured two consecutive third-place finishes in the Constructors’ Championship. However, team principal James Vowles prefers to temper expectations. Even assuming that the new Mercedes power unit will be highly competitive—despite recent controversies over alleged irregularities—he does not believe Williams can repeat the achievements of the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Why Williams can’t beat Mercedes
“If there is one thing Mercedes excels at,” explains the English engineer, who has a long history at Brackley as head of strategy and Toto Wolff’s right-hand man, cited by Motorsport Week, “it’s when regulations change. I think that is 100% clear. We have done everything possible to grow this team and bring it to a level capable of winning a world championship in the future, but at the moment we still do not have the structures or the capabilities of Mercedes. It’s that simple.”
Although there is still no real feedback from the track and all teams are currently limited to working on hypothetical performance scenarios in the simulator, James Vowles believes Mercedes could indeed be the team to beat in 2026. “While they have focused practically only on refining the regulations and perfecting everything, what I have done has been more about laying the foundations for the future, while also trying to concentrate somewhat on the 2026 car. So what can be deduced is that I know where Mercedes will be next year, and I am sure they will be very strong. We have to grow Williams F1 step by step, every year. And I believe we have the capability to do so.”
James Vowles’ honesty provides a refreshing, if sober, reality check for those expecting an overnight miracle in 2026. By acknowledging the vast gap in infrastructure between a manufacturer like Mercedes and a rebuilding independent like Williams, he is protecting his team from the pressure of unrealistic “2014-style” expectations. As the sport moves into this new hybrid era, the battle at Grove will be measured not by immediate podiums, but by the steady, structural growth that James Vowles believes will eventually restore Williams to its former glory.
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