Williams boss Vowles on pain point: 'That's why we are where we are today'

James Vowles knew what he was getting into when he made the switch from Mercedes to Williams, yet he too was surprised in some areas by the current state of the team. It is up to him the tough task of bringing the iconic British racing stable back to Formula 1 on the road.

Williams was in dire financial straits for years. As a result, Claire Williams was forced to sell the team, once founded by her father Sir Frank Williams, to Dorilton Capital in 2020. A long-term lack of investment has brought the team to where it is today, Vowles said.

"So many years ago, unfortunately for Williams, it did have a lack of money, which is what's led to this. In fact, I'd probably say 15, 20 years of underinvestment is why we are where we are today," the team boss told the press conference for the Canadian Grand Prix.

However, he sees an advantage in his current position that his predecessors did not have. "We have significant investment behind us. In fact, there is a strong desire to have Williams return back to a competitive position. But to do that requires the investment. So the money's available and ready," said the 43-year-old Briton.