Can Alexander Albon aim higher than Williams?

Alexander Albon concluded a very strong season, carrying Williams in the constructor’s championship and accumulating 27 out of the team’s 28 points on his own. He proved to be the most successful driver at the bottom of the table, while his teammate only scored a single point with the car.

According to ESPN, two teams would have attempted to recruit Albon during the 2023 season. However, the Thai driver signed a multi-year contract in 2022, extending until the end of 2024. The American media also added that Albon was seeking to free himself from this contract.

A notable progression.

In 2024, Alexander Albon is preparing to start his sixth season in Formula 1. Throughout his career, he has participated in 12 races with Toro Rosso, 26 with Red Bull, and finally 43 with Williams. Although he has not won a race in F1 at the age of 27, he has finished on the podium twice. His best ranking in the World Championship was 7th place in 2020 with the Austrian team.

During one and a half seasons at Red Bull in 2019/2020, Albon had the opportunity to fight for victory, but his lack of experience in F1 has occasionally been costly. His youthful mistakes led Red Bull to replace him with Sergio Perez. He transitioned into a development driver role and lost his position as a regular driver.

After a year off and the end of his contract with the two-time defending team, Albon joined Williams. The first season alongside Nicholas Latifi in 2022 was difficult for him and the team, finishing 10th in the championship with six points, four of which were scored by Albon.

The year 2023 was much more glorious for Albon and the team. He took on the role of leader, scoring points throughout the season despite the limitations of the car. He finished 13th in the standings, just behind the two Alpine drivers who had a more competitive car.

At the end of this season, Albon’s work was highly appreciated by Williams and observed by the rest of the paddock.

Which teams could secure his services?

Alexander Albon is now one of the experienced drivers at 27 years old, and he could be tempted by a new challenge. At the end of his contract in 2024, 12 spots (excluding Williams) could be available. Among the top teams, a spot would be open at Red Bull (due to Sergio Perez’s contract ending) and two at Ferrari. In the midfield, both Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso will be at the end of their contracts, as well as the two Alpine drivers. Finally, two spots will be vacant at Haas as well as at AlphaTauri.

Movements could occur at all levels of the grid. A return to Red Bull seems complicated, but Ferrari could be an option, potentially replacing Carlos Sainz. It is difficult to imagine a change for Charles Leclerc. Alpine and Aston Martin would be interested in retaining their current drivers unless there is a decrease in performance. Haas may not necessarily represent a career improvement, and the AlphaTauri project remains uncertain in terms of real progression. These two teams do not seem to offer attractive opportunities at the dawn of the 2024 season. Finally, an extension with Williams is not to be excluded, even if it would keep him in the lower part of the grid.

The 2024 season is shaping up to be eventful in terms of transfers, whether it’s for Alexander Albon or the 13 other drivers.