Williams Team Principal James Vowles was an integral part of Mercedes back in their domination days between 2014 to 2021. However, Vowles was a part of Mercedes even when Brackley’s difficult initial years after acquiring Brawn GP. Michael Schumacher was the star driver of the Silver Arrows till his second F1 retirement in 2013. Hence, the principal recalled his biggest regret during that time.
Vowles recalled this time when Schumacher and Nico Rosberg made up the driver lineup at Mercedes. The former world champion taught Rosberg some crucial lessons during this period. Moreover, the Williams team boss highlighted that Schumacher extracted every millisecond out of himself and the team back then despite being in his 40s.
There is very few characteristics that make a World Champion. Michael, he taught Nico how to work really hard. Michael wasn't the most skilful in the car, that was Lewis, but he knew how to extract every millisecond out of himself, and every millisecond out of the team. Vowles told the High Performance Podcast (H&T: racingnews365.com).
Michael Schumacher was already a seven-time world champion before joining Mercedes after his short retirement in 2010. However, the legendary world champion couldn’t win a single race under Brackley’s racing suit before retiring from the sport once again. Hence, this was the biggest regret for James Vowles as he deserved a win.
He was a leader that if he said 'I'm going to go this way' the team would follow him there. So much so, that both sides of the garage wanted him to do well. One of my regrets of my career is that we didn't get a win for him, that still hurts me today. He deserved a win.
James Vowles reminisced on the good memories with Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher was widely loved by everyone in the sport, and the horrific skiing accident shocked the world. However, this didn’t prevent Vowles from making fond memories with the legend before his accident. The 44-year-old recalled that the two went on motorbike rides and visited France’s Paul Ricard. These memories will always be cherished by the team principal.
Additionally, Schumacher would also send flowers on Vowles’ spouse’s birthday and other major events. Hence, the legendary world champion was not only a great F1 driver but also a great human overall. Vowles also mentioned that the German driver had a completely different personality behind the scenes.
Nico Rosberg also learned a lot from the seven-time world champion during his Mercedes stint. Regardless, Schumacher’s involvement in Mercedes was very imperative as Brackley scored a massive comeback after the German’s exit from the team.
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