Hamilton and Rosberg, who were friends during their early racing careers, became rivals while being part of the Mercedes team from 2013 to 2016.
Their relationship completely deteriorated in 2016, especially after colliding with each other on the first lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, resulting in Max Verstappen’s victory for Red Bull on his debut.
Rosberg ended up winning the F1 title that year, but shocked everyone by announcing his retirement just a few days after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Vowles, a member of the Mercedes management team, reflected on the challenges they faced dealing with two extremely competitive drivers.
He shared in an interview: “The key is to be open and honest with the drivers, simple and straightforward. We often avoid confronting the real issues and instead dodge them. They are undoubtedly the best in the world at what they do, so having a direct conversation can be difficult.”
“I am the same person publicly, here and off camera – open, honest, and transparent. That’s how it all starts. We have to have that open and honest conversation, even when their actions are detrimental to the team and themselves,” he added.
At the beginning of the Turbo-hybrid era of F1, Mercedes dominated the new regulations in terms of power unit and chassis. It was clear that either Hamilton or Rosberg would win the title, while their competitors struggled to keep up.
Vowles remembered: “In 2014, the biggest challenge we faced with the drivers was that both Nico and Lewis knew, even before the first race, that one of them would win the championship. It took some time, but my role was to create a document that established clear guidelines on how they would work and compete with each other. Initially, it was called ‘rules of engagement’, but was later renamed to a less militaristic term, racing intent.”
He explained the philosophy behind the document, stating: “Regardless of the name, it outlined specific boundaries on how we should behave and perform. The first page emphasized the importance of being a sportsman. To simplify, you can win a world championship, but if you do it unfairly and unethically, you will carry regret for the rest of your life. Yes, you may have the championship title, but it will be tarnished, contaminated, and not truly deserved.”
“During that period, we strived to achieve success through superior performance, rather than relying on alternative means. Our goal is to outperform everyone else, whether our drivers, engineers, or designers.
“We emphasized to our team members the importance of choosing the path that leads to becoming the greatest sportsman in the world, creating a lasting legacy for years to come. We discouraged actions that could harm or hinder teammates, even if it results in a race victory. We asked, which path do you want to follow?
“The answer is clear for any true sportsman – they want to be remembered as a dominant force that worked harmoniously together. We want the fastest driver over 20 races, within the rules, to emerge victorious.
“We do not prioritize the fastest driver on a given weekend or someone who gains an advantage by questionable means. We built the competition to ensure equal opportunities for everyone. Our drivers have embraced this philosophy, creating a positive environment,” he explained.
Despite Mercedes’ careful management of its drivers, there were still moments of tension, especially during the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Vowles recalled: “This does not mean that we did not face challenges along the way. The incident in Barcelona in 2016 remains vivid in my memory. Two exceptional athletes were confined within their roles and became frustrated.
“However, in such situations, we do not back down. Instead, we reaffirm our principles and stand firm,” concluded the Williams team boss.
After progressing through the ranks at Mercedes, with his final position being Motorsport Strategy Director, Vowles took on the role of Team Principal at Williams at the beginning of the 2023 F1 season. Now, he faces the new challenge of rebuilding a team that was once great from the start, instead of managing conflicting drivers.
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An exciting football match took place last night at the local stadium. Rival teams, Flamengo and Vasco, faced off in a game full of action and twists. Fans were eager to see their favorite teams in action and were rewarded with a spectacular display.
The game started with Flamengo dominating possession and creating several goal-scoring opportunities. However, Vasco showed their defensive strength and managed to keep the scoreline blank. Both teams fought hard, but it was Flamengo who broke the deadlock and scored the first goal at the 30th minute of the first half.
Vasco did not let themselves be shaken and quickly responded with an equalizing goal just five minutes later. The match became even more intense, with both teams seeking the victory. The players showed skill and determination, providing an exciting spectacle for the spectators.
In the second half, Flamengo managed to score another goal, taking the lead. It seemed like they were on their way to victory, but Vasco did not give up. With a brilliant play in the final minutes, they managed to tie the game again, driving the fans crazy.
The final score was 2-2, leaving the fans satisfied with the thrilling match. Both teams showed talent and determination, proving why they are considered the best in the championship. The players were applauded by the fans, who recognized the effort and dedication of each one of them.
The next match is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, when Flamengo will face Corinthians and Vasco will play against São Paulo. Fans are eager for more excitement and great plays. It will be a fierce competition, but it will definitely be an unmissable spectacle. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming games.
