In the latter part of 2022, the Grove team secured lead driver Alex Albon with a contract that spans multiple years. However, there is uncertainty regarding the future of his teammate Logan Sargeant for the upcoming season.
Ex-Mercedes head of strategy Vowles has publicly backed the American, who is yet to score a point during his rookie term but previously axed him from the Silver Arrows junior fold.
With Vowles targeting a five-year recovery plan for Williams to turn it into a competitive force, he said it is better to be honest with interested drivers rather than tempt a headline signing with false claims, only to lose them sooner than anticipated.
Vowles said: “Anything you do that lends them to realise that the numbers are fictitious will give you a short-term gain for a long-term massive deficit, including a loss of a driver.”
Williams has signed Alpine chief technical officer Pat Fry, with Vowles saying he singled the British engineer out in January but it then took three months to convince him to join.
Vowles stated that his team’s long-term vision was the main reason for the successful deal, and Albon is confident in Williams’ recent progress and the timeline they have set. Currently, the team holds the seventh position in the standings.
Pat Fry has been appointed as the new Chief Technical Officer of Williams.
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“I have also explained to both Pat and Alex the reasons behind our decision to pursue the long-term vision,” Vowles clarified. “If you want the most accurate information, it would be best to ask Alex.”
“He is currently in a state of contentment as he recognizes the progress we have made in the past six months and foresees our future trajectory for the upcoming years.”
Vowles clarified that this combination of demonstrating progress in the present while establishing a foundation for the future would prevent misguided hires from leaving.
He further stated, “Engaging in any other actions towards them will only result in their eventual realization that what you initially guaranteed them is not the actual truth.”
Therefore, my emphasis has consistently been on the future and providing an honest evaluation of it, while also giving individuals the opportunity to embrace and support that vision.
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