The competition in F1 may be cutthroat and stressful. But that doesn’t mean the drivers don’t find moments off the track to enjoy the lighter side of things. Play pranks even. The best time to do it, of course, is pre-season, when the pressure is not so high.
Before this year’s season-opener in Australia, Williams’ Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz tried a prank on team principal James Vowles. It involved a photograph of the two of them traveling to the UK for the F1 75 event.
The event, on February 18, saw the unveiling of all 10 cars running in the 2025 season. The entire F1 world convened for it at London’s O2 Arena. The two drivers had clicked a portrait together at the time. They framed the picture and presented it as a cheeky gift to the team boss.
“They thought it would be a lovely ‘romantic’ present to give me, to remind me of how important they are in my life,” Vowles chuckled on the F1 Explains podcast, talking to host Christian Hewgill. Of course, Vowles understood the joke, but then decided to take the gift seriously, giving it the place of pride it deserves.
The Briton loved the act so much that he decided to display it on his work desk.
“What happens with these things, and it is always the case, is [that] it starts off as a joke. But I will guarantee you, come find me in Abu Dhabi and that will still be on my desk at that stage,” added Vowles. The incident just goes to show how unique Vowles’ leadership style is.
View this post on Instagram
Vowles values camaraderie and openness within the team. He places sentimental value on gestures and moments — something that perhaps some of the more old-school bosses on the grid might overlook.
In August last year, Albon had lauded Vowles for the positive influence he had on him. “He’s very straight. He doesn’t tell you things are better than they actually are, and I like that,” he said.
“I feel like whenever something’s not come to plan he tells me the areas that the team needs to work on. He tells me if there’s anything I can do to help. He is the right man for the job and I believe in him and feel like we’ve got the right people,” added Albon.
Sainz, too, has spoken about Vowles glowingly. “Obviously, he’s the leader of the project and he has the vision. And he shared that vision with his leadership and he convinced me [to join Williams],” he said.
“He did a very good job in that sense… And yeah, I think we are relatively similar characters in terms that we are both very analytical, very fair, and open. He convinced me, as simple as that,” added the Spaniard.
Just when the Vowles-Hewgill podcast interaction was getting emotional, Albon suddenly popped in — just to use the toilet.
Vowles reveals Albon’s toilet habit at Williams
The podcast with Hewgill was recorded in Vowles’ office at Suzuka. While it was on, Albon attempted to sneak in.
Vowles — likely accustomed to seeing both Albon and Sainz pop into his office — was the first to notice and called out, “You might as well come in, Alex.”
Albon then explained the interruption, saying, “I use James’ office for his toilet before sessions, so here I am.”
That is when Vowles felt the need to step in to make something clear. “To be really clear, you don’t use my office, you use the toilet in my office,” Vowles said.
View this post on Instagram
The conversation ended with Albon telling everyone in the room that he would see them in about 10 minutes. Vowles — who was visibly embarrassed by his driver’s entry and remark — burst into laughter.
Truly, Williams appears to be a fun and relaxed place to work under Vowles.
