James Vowles Triumphs as a Driver in the 12 Hours of Gulf – A Stunning Victory at Yas Marina!
In a seismic twist of fate at Yas Marina, James Vowles, the esteemed Team Principal of Williams, has not only put his team on the map this season but has also stormed the racetrack as a driver, clinching a thrilling victory during the prestigious 12 Hours of Gulf! The 46-year-old British racing mastermind showcased his exceptional driving skills behind the wheel of a McLaren 720S GT3, propelling himself and his team to the pinnacle of the podium in the AM category.
After reveling in a successful season for Williams, Vowles returned to the limelight with a personal mission—his participation as a driver in this grueling endurance race, and he achieved nothing short of greatness. Teaming up with racing talents Marco Pulcini, Alexander West, and Mark Sansom, the Garage 59 crew powered their McLaren to an impressive tenth overall finish. However, the spotlight was undeniably on Vowles, who proved that leadership extends beyond the pit wall.
The race was a dramatic spectacle filled with unexpected turns. While Vowles and his team celebrated their hard-fought success, the overall victory went to the formidable trio of Denis Remenyako, Michail Aleshin, and Adam Christodoulou, who drove the Mercedes AMG GT3 #13 for Capital RT by Motopark. Yet, the race was not without its heartbreak, as the Ferrari 293 GT3 AlManar by Dragon team, consisting of Al Faisal Al Zubair, Ben Tuck, and Christopher Froggatt, led the pack for an astonishing nine hours, only to be thwarted by an unforeseen pit stop for brake fluid replenishment. Despite their valiant efforts and coming heartbreakingly close to victory, they ultimately took second place, just ahead of Grove Racing by GetSpeed’s Mercedes.
Mark your calendars! The next installment of the 12 Hours of Gulf is set to ignite the track on January 10, 2027. In the interim, fans can look forward to a shorter GT race scheduled for December 13, ensuring that the adrenaline-fueled excitement continues.
Vowles’ victory not only cements his reputation as a versatile figure in motorsport but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring drivers everywhere. As the engines cool at Yas Marina, one thing is clear: James Vowles is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track!









