Hamilton to miss Vowles "clever thinking" at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has delivered an "amazing" verdict on James Vowles' move from Mercedes to become the new Williams team principal.

The former Mercedes director of strategy's shock switch to Williams was confirmed on Friday, replacing Jost Capito.

Vowles has been a key figure at the Brackley-based team since its days as BAR, remaining with the outfit through its turbulent times as Honda, and enjoying the success of both Brawn GP and, eventually, Mercedes.

Such longevity has seen the 43-year-old work alongside Hamilton for a decade.

Asked about Hamilton's response to the departure, team principal Toto Wolff said: "I told him this week that this was going to happen and he is absolutely fine.

READ MORE...Mercedes - Hamilton Europe return needed to start new contract talks

"Working with James has always been a great pleasure for him.

"The clever thinking on a Sunday morning, that was good fun with James always.

"But he is absolutely...I think his first response was 'That's amazing for James'."

Speaking in a press briefing alongside Wolff, Vowles added: "For what it's worth, I called him and those were the first words that came out of his mouth.

"Not insulting me or telling me he's disappointed, it was quite the opposite.

"In fact, I'd probably say throughout Mercedes, I've had the fortune that near enough everyone I've spoken to has just been incredibly happy."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Max Verstappen already on the beach with Kelly Piquet for F1 summer break as they celebrate Penelope's birthday

• 1 minute ago

Max Verstappen could make more Nurburgring appearances as new championship announced

• 46 minutes ago

Max Verstappen 'beyond despair' at Red Bull after Hungarian Grand Prix frustration

• 1 hour ago

Aston Martin F1 time boost from new Honda upgrade revealed

• 2 hours ago

Lewis Hamilton making life 'more difficult for himself' at Ferrari, claims F1 insider

• 3 hours ago

Max Verstappen F1 future takes new twist as Red Bull ‘offer new multi-million pay rise’

• Today 18:45