Alex Albon re-signed a multi-year contract with the team, demonstrating his commitment to Williams. Albon’s prior contract was still in effect for the upcoming season, but it was obvious that both parties wanted to put an end to rumors.

In the 2019 season, Albon made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso (now known as RB). When Pierre Gasly lost his seat, he was quickly promoted to Red Bull with Max Verstappen.

But like Gasly before him and Sergio Perez after him, he was always under Verstappen’s shadow. During their partnership, Albon only placed in the top three twice, while the Dutchman won three races and collected fifteen podiums.

As a result, Red Bull decided to move on at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. The Thai driver was completely removed off the grid, although Williams gave him a chance to return in 2022.

Under James Vowles, Albon was able to rehabilitate his reputation and is currently in high demand as a driver. Alongside the inexperienced Logan Sargeant, he has taken the lead as the team’s leader. Last year, he scored 27 of Williams’ 28 points, which secured their best championship position in six years (seventh).

Although the current campaign has proved more difficult, this is mostly due to the limitations of the FW46 car, which has not yet earned a point. Albon has almost broken its duck, having been among the top 12 three times.

Red Bull desired “first option” on Alex Albon, who has been so successful at Williams that a return to Red Bull has even been discussed. According to journalist Joe Saward, they were considering signing him to a contract in 2026.

It seems that Christian Horner thinks he could be the best driver in the event that Verstappen departs. Albon’s re-signing would probably appease the team’s majority Thai owners.

Currently, the Race F1 has released a somewhat altered account of what happened. They had merely asked for “a first option on his service” rather than making Albon an explicit contract offer.

They therefore wanted to be his first port of call in the event that he decided to quit Williams before 2026. Although Horner and company didn’t guarantee he would return, they did hope he wouldn’t sign with another squad without first speaking with them.

Albon ultimately concluded that this was nonsensical, despite Red Bull being the current world champions. He would have run the risk of not having a seat at all if he had built his future around an offer that wasn’t definite.

What George Russell told Alex Albon following the news of Williams

Williams posted a confirmation of Albon’s extension on their social media pages early on Wednesday. Among those congratulating his close buddy was George Russell.

Vowles will see this agreement as crucial to achieving his goals at Grove. Leading one of the most recognizable teams in Formula 1, he has won nine constructor titles in addition to seven driving crowns.

After finishing third in both of the team’s first seasons of the turbo/hybrid era, Williams fell back into the midfield before seeing a dramatic decline at the start of the decade. They feel like they’re moving forward under Vowles once more.

Albon will remain with the team through 2026 despite significant regulations changes in Formula One. In order to manage that change, having an experienced presence on board might be essential.