Williams team principal James Vowles has revealed an interest in taking on an endurance race with his team's Formula 1 drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.
This comes after the Briton took part in a two-day GT3 test in Spain in a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo between the Italian and Azerbaijan grands prix. "Spent a fantastic two days at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain. Mostly dry and a great technical circuit," the team principal shared on social media at the time. "I was driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Garage 59. It was great to be back with a team that I have a strong history with.
"I was rusty to start, it’s been a few years out of a GT3 but very happy with where we ended up after two days of testing. I had to hang up most of my engineering brain and focus on driving - and loved every second. More to follow."
"I have done work with Merc beforehand, but I have no affiliation in that world," Vowles told Sky Sports F1 when asked why his test was with McLaren rather than Williams's power unit supplier, Mercedes. "I actually really like McLaren to drive, and the team is one that I’ve been driving for, for probably the last three or four years, so go where you’re comfortable."
Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen claimed victory on his GT3 debut at the Nordschleife during the break between the Azerbaijan and Singapore grands prix. While Vowles does not think the Nordschleife will be a track he takes on, he would be interested in entering an endurance race with Sainz and Albon.
"I don’t think the Nordschleife, although well done to him, I mean, it just shows you how impressive it is to turn up there and basically dominate. It's just outstanding. The intention is, yes, to get back into racing on my side. What I wanted to do is another few days in the car. I haven’t really driven the car competitively with pros for a couple of years.
"No, they are allowed," he clarified about Sainz and Albon's contracts, "and it is something that I think could be very much on the agenda and radar. We just need to remember that what Max does is exceptional, but we’re doing 24 weekends a year racing and more of that with testing.
"And I think any more demand on them would be inappropriate or wrong for me to ask. If they ever want to do it, we’ll find a way of making it work."
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Singapore GP - Friday, in photos
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