**EXCLUSIVE: Inside Williams’ Strategy for Selecting Their 2025 F1 Driver Line-Up**

EXCLUSIVE: Williams discloses the selection process for their upcoming F1 driver

James Vowles outlines the qualifications Williams desires in the driver set to join their 2025 F1 team.

James Vowles believes that the key elements in deciding who will secure the last spot on the Williams team for the 2025 F1 season are the driver's performance, character, and faith in the team's vision.

With Logan Sargeant's position at risk and his departure anticipated for the next season, Williams is considering various candidates to team up with Alex Albon, who secured his place with a multi-year contract extension signed in May.

Carlos Sainz, who is leaving Ferrari, and Valtteri Bottas, who is also a free agent, are being evaluated by Williams for potential positions on the team. In an exclusive conversation with Crash.net during the Hungarian Grand Prix, team principal Vowles shared the qualifications and attributes he seeks in drivers.

“Most importantly, I need two drivers who challenge each other to their utmost potential,” Vowles stated.

"It's not about one person leading and the other following. Both are actively pushing boundaries, resulting in twice the learning and twice the effort in setting things up."

The person must have faith in Williams' identity and the path the team is taking. It's crucial that they are dedicated to finding every possible millisecond of improvement.

"The drivers in your organization are also key leaders. Just 10 words from them can have a greater impact than an hour-long speech from me. It's essential that they are in sync with our goals and understand their responsibility."

"Performance is naturally linked to that. However, the third and fourth aspects are that they should be actively improving the product. It’s not just about using it and criticizing it. It’s about thinking, ‘I want this to be better, how can I contribute?’ That’s what I’m aiming for."

Although peak performance remains a key metric when selecting a driver, Vowles emphasized that personality and conduct are also significant considerations.

He stated that nearly all of his decisions are based on data. He explained that he uses statistics to evaluate various aspects, such as performance in qualifying rounds, race results, defensive skills, and offensive abilities.

"How do they respond outwardly when situations don't go as planned? Is their reaction positive or negative? Do they support the team or distance themselves from it? Have I observed that the team typically progresses under their influence, or do they tend to regress because of them?"

"There are several factors involved in this situation, one of which is undoubtedly the driver on that route. What kind of person are they? When faced with challenges, do they seek out more, or do they essentially retreat from them?"

"Are these people someone I can reach out to at 11 pm to discuss solutions, or do they isolate themselves afterward? What is their character like? It's not just one factor, but a mix of all these aspects."

Referring to the Williams young driver program as a prime example of the selection criteria, Vowles explained that half of the evaluation is based on performance, while the other half focuses on behavior and performance under stress.

"I would prefer to choose a person who finished third in the junior championships but excels under pressure, over someone who came first but falters when the stakes are high."

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