Official: Alex Albon to stay with Williams for at least two seasons

Williams has just announced via press release that they have committed to the long term with their current driver Alexander Albon.

The Thai driver signed a contract extension for several years, the statement details. These mentions of “several years” often refer to contracts with a minimum duration of 2 years with an option.

Alexander Albon and Williams will remain together at least until the 2026 season and the implementation of the new technical regulations, simplifying the engine system and changing the size of the F1 cars.

“I am really very happy to stay at Williams Racing and to continue working with such a talented and dedicated team. It has been a tough start to the year, but since I joined Williams, we have made significant progress together and I have seen huge changes happening behind the scenes to bring us back to the front of the grid,” Alexander Albon explains following this announcement.

« This is a long-term project in which I truly believe and in which I want to play a key role, which is why I signed a multi-year contract. The journey will take time, but I am convinced that we are building the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the years to come. » he concludes.

Indeed, Williams, since its acquisition by Dorilton Capital, has initiated profound changes but limited by the budget cap in F1 which prevents teams from spending too much money. Paradoxically, this budget limit, intended to curb expenses and thus prevent the top teams from creating too large a gap, hinders the lower-ranked teams from quickly returning to the race due to limited investments in their infrastructure. If Williams wants to change its scale, Alex Albon is well aware that it will take more time.

James Vowles, the new Williams team principal coming from Mercedes, commented on his side: “We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing. He has exceptional talent, technical ability, and dedication to our project, and it is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and our goal of returning to the top of the championship.”

Since his arrival, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and recruiting him in the long term is an important piece of the puzzle to help us move forward on the grid.

Logan Sargeant, the other Williams driver, has not yet been extended but the Grove team is not looking to keep him in the team.