Williams sees Albon develop as team leader: 'New element of control'
General
Alexander Albon immediately impressed in his first weeks at Williams last year, but the British Thai continues to amaze his own team. Dave Robson sees Albon tapping an incredibly high level and he is delighted that the 27-year-old driver has taken on the leadership role.
Albon a real leader
"I think what we have seen over the last year or so is him really develop into a proper team leader," states Williams' Head of Vehicle Performance at Formula1.com. "I think we're seeing a new element of control and calmness from him; you can feel it spreading around the garage. I think that's really important.”
As an example, Robson cited the first qualifying section at the British Grand Prix. Albon was excellent in the free practice sessions each time, but at the moment suprême, things did not seem to work out. A red flag further complicated the mission of advancing to Q2.
"I think his attitude in the garage when the red flag came out, considering he was last at the time, I think was really good, and exactly what you'd expect of a confident, but sensible, professional driver. I think if he'd got himself really concerned and stressed that would have spread quite quickly through the garage and it would have been tough and, instead, he was completely calm. He knew he had it under control," Robson said.
According to the engineer, Albon knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it. The energy and conviction with which the current number 13 in the world championship does things creates belief within the Williams team.