This is why Alex Albon senses Williams success: 'One step ahead of rivals'
F1 News
Alex Albon has just signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams Racing, keeping him at the iconic outfit until at least the end of the 2026 F1 season. The British-Thai driver, previously linked with Red Bull and Mercedes, trusts Williams team principal James Vowles. The former Mercedes strategist has created a new culture at Williams, and tying Alex Albon down to a new contract was one of his goals for the 'long term project'. Before the Monaco Grand Prix, Alex Albon revealed why he decided to stay at the Grove-based team, as he believes race wins and championship contention is around the corner.
Speaking to total-motorsport.com, Albon said: "Realistically let’s look at our next big goal, which is to be scoring regular points, I think we can start achieving that next year. And then my next big thing would be to score a podium and then eventually win.
“But that realistically would be further down the line unless you have a crazy race coming up, I’m not expecting huge changes in the short term, it’s going to take some time,” says Albon, who finished on the podium twice with Red Bull in 2020.
Mercedes power-unit a 'safe bet', according to Albon
Vowles is not the only person who drew the 28-year-old to a contract extension. The 2026 Mercedes power unit is rumoured to be strong. During the last regulation change in 2014, Mercedes maximised their V6 hybrid power unit. "I think Mercedes time and time again when it comes to these regulation changes, they seem to be one step ahead of their rivals," says Albon. "Not to say I don’t think other teams will do a good job. But I think it’s at least a safe bet. When you look at maybe the other midfield teams who are bringing in a new PU, I’m sure they’re going to put in a lot of money to hit the ground running."
Albon, Vowles and Mercedes are hoping to bring Williams back to its heyday. The British team has scored 113 Grand Prix wins but hasn't triumphed since 2012. Pastor Maldonado secured his only Grand Prix win that day in Barcelona. “At the same time, I think I’m hoping that even in 2026 if we’re still in our building phase, I want to hit that year on top form, but if it’s not there quite yet we’ll still have a very strong power unit to go alongside us.” Concludes Albon.