Albon elated with points finish: 'Felt equal to a podium'
F1 News
Alex Albon scored his first point for Williams in 2022 Australian Grand Prix and he has explained how it felt equal to a podium finish in Formula 1. In Melbourne, Albon got disqualified from qualifying because the team couldn't provide the required fuel sample at the end of the season. As a result, Albon had to claw his way through the field for a P10 finish.
Chance for Williams
In 2021, Williams made slow progress through the field. Then Williams driver George Russell actually managed to secure a podium result in the Belgium Grand Prix, though he did have help with a washed-out race meaning he got rewarded for his qualifying efforts. After being parked at the back of the grid for three seasons, the 2022 regulation changes provided the team with a chance to leapfrog a few teams.
The hard work at the factory wasn't rewarded in the first two races, but Albon clawed his way through the pack to get a point in the third Grand Prix. A result that Albon insists felt equal to his two podium finishes for Red Bull Racing in the 2020 season.
"It truly did feel like a win. It felt just as big as any other point I've scored. I haven't got a win, but I've scored podiums and it felt equal to that. It's impactful as a driver to see the team respond. We haven't had the best start to the year and we're not where we want to be. It's easy to get caught up in that and it's not great. To give that point back to the guys and girls. And to see what it meant to everyone. To see everyone enthusiastic, it felt amazing to give that contribution," Albon explained on the Beyond The Grid Podcast by Formula 1.
In the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last weekend, Williams failed to add to their points tally and sit at the bottom of the Constructors Championship.