Alright, so after the first seven rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Williams was struggling to get points on the board. They were one of the two teams yet to score a point, with Alpine breaking their duck in Miami. This left Williams and Sauber as the only teams yet to register a top 10 finish. However, things started to look up for Williams when Alex Albon managed to secure ninth place in Monaco. He spent the race tucked under Yuki Tsunoda’s gearbox, trying to make the best out of a car that was overweight due to the FW46 being built beyond the minimum weight limit.
Fast forward to 2025, and Albon has been on fire, scoring points in all but one of the seven grands prix so far. He even clinched three top-five finishes, showcasing his excellent form with Williams’ vastly improved 2025 package. Despite his success, Albon has been trailing behind new teammate Carlos Sainz in their qualifying head-to-heads. However, Sainz has faced challenges during the races and struggled with strategic decisions, often finding himself at a disadvantage.
In a recent race at Imola, Albon finished fifth but expressed some disappointment with his late-race pace. He believed that with a bit more caution in battling Charles Leclerc, he could have applied more pressure on third-placed Oscar Piastri. Despite his slight disappointment, Albon acknowledged the team’s progress, stating, “I was kind of honestly licking my lips, I thought I could even get Oscar up in front as well, such was the pace and the new tyres we had on the car.”
As Williams continues to improve in 2025, Albon has been a key player in their success. His strong performances in races have often outshone Sainz, showcasing his talent for managing tyres effectively and delivering strategic races. With the team now able to challenge regularly in the middle of the points, Albon is finally receiving the recognition he deserves after honing his skills in the lower midfield post-Red Bull.
Despite his success, Albon remains cautious about Williams’ performance, unsure if their current form will last. He had not expected to perform as well as he did at Imola, highlighting the unpredictability of the sport. Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, explained that the addition of Sainz had pushed Albon to deliver his best, fostering a collaborative relationship between the two drivers. This partnership has allowed both drivers to improve and learn from each other, giving them a fresh perspective on racing.
Overall, Albon’s journey with Williams has been a mix of surprises and successes, with the team showing significant progress in the 2025 season. As they continue to push for better results, Albon remains focused on delivering strong performances and making the most out of the opportunities presented to him. With a supportive team behind him and a competitive car under him, Albon is poised to continue his rise in Formula 1.
