How long will Alexander Albon drive for Williams? According to some media reports, then only 2024. Because the Thai has already been written to all sorts of top teams, from Mercedes to Ferrari to Red Bull. By the way, he was recently offered a three-year contract there, according to journalist Peter Windsor – who was previously employed by Williams – said in a live stream on YouTube.
The Thai himself doesn’t even try to deny that there were definitely discussions. But: It all happened through his management. “My focus is on driving,” says Albon, who repeatedly caused a stir with his performances in 2023 and single-handedly brought Williams to seventh place in the World Championship.
The racing team from Grove knows about the qualities of its driver and is putting a stop to all rumors for now: “Alex is under contract with Williams until the end of 2025,” explains team boss James Vowles in a media round.
Until now, it had always been assumed that Albon had signed a three-year contract in 2022 and would therefore be free at the end of the coming season. The fact that the contract even runs until 2025 was kept a little under wraps, “because I didn’t see any need for it,” as Vowles emphasizes.
For him, the reports – including the concrete indications of a change to Red Bull – are “at most speculation by individuals”.
In Grove they have no interest in letting Albon go to another team. “I’ve said it from the start and I’ll stick with it: He’s an incredible driver who deserves a place at the top,” says Vowles, giving him roses: “He showed performances last year that are no different from other champions , with whom I worked.”
Albon: Earn a winning car
Last year, Albon repeatedly had to hold up large parts of the field and was put into difficult situations by Williams, but in the team boss’s opinion he was able to master them well and thus help the team to points.
Vowles: “He and I have had good conversations about how we want to move forward. And we want to move forward by continuing the journey together for a long time.” But for him that also means: “It’s up to us at Williams to create an environment that deserves someone of Alex’s caliber. Quite simply.”
Albon himself also takes the same approach. Because he says that he is currently at his peak in terms of age and performance. “You can always improve, but generally with my experience and everything, I feel like I deserve a car that can get podiums and compete for wins.”
Postscript: “And more than anything, I want Williams to be that team.”
He works hard for that – and Williams works hard for that too. “We have to earn our rights,” says Vowles.
“My whole focus is on Williams”
For now, Albon would like to wait and see what happens at Williams in the coming weeks and months. He’s excited to see how good the new FW46 is, which was unveiled in New York on Monday. And he is excited to see how it will develop.
“I want to see how the car feels in Bahrain and the following four, five, six races and I just want to have a feel for the progress I hope to have made as a team,” he says. “My whole focus is on Williams and that’s where I see myself. I see the long-term future. The rate of progress is also very important to me.”
But of course the Thai also notices that the entire driver market is in turmoil – and not just since Lewis Hamilton’s announced move from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Only in the previous days, Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) extended their contracts long-term – beyond 2025. Albon also noticed that: The teams want drivers who will be with the team in 2025 and 2026 – beyond the big change in regulations.
Team boss: Williams’ interest is top priority
Albon’s contract expires at the end of the current regular period. A move to Red Bull with an alleged three-year contract would fit the bill perfectly.
Then Red Bull would probably have to buy its former driver out of the Williams contract, because Vowles has no plans to let Albon go before his contract expires.
“Would I stand in his way? I have the responsibility towards Williams on my shoulders. That’s the most important thing for me,” he suggests, suggesting that Albon’s individual interests would have to be subordinated.
“I don’t have a responsibility to an individual, in this case Alex, but a responsibility to the team,” he clarifies. “If a decision is made in this direction, it will be because I know full well that I am making decisions that are right for the long-term goals of the team, not the short-term ones.”