Horner (Red Bull) wanted to see Albon on the F1 grid at all costs
Alex Albon arrives at Williams in 2022. Horner is pleased with his choice of replacement driver. He did not want to see him off the track for another season.
After long rumors and discussions, Alex Albon finally joins Williams in 2022. He will drive alongside Nicholas Latifi, who also has his place secured for next year. Albon couldn’t reclaim his place at Red Bull. Perez extended his contract just before the Dutch Grand Prix. On the AlphaTauri side, Franz Tost wanted to keep his pair. Namely Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda.
The Thai driver needed to race. He could not remain indefinitely as a substitute driver at Red Bull. Christian Horner, the boss of the Austrian team, was looking for a place for his driver in a new team. And it’s perfect timing! A seat was becoming available at Williams with George Russell’s departure to Mercedes. The perfect opportunity for Albon to be on the grid in 2022. For Horner, by joining Williams, Albon could gain experience and mileage.
We highly value Alex and with our lineup set for 2022. Our goal was to help him find a seat in another team where he could gain more miles and experience in F1, and we are delighted to see him with Williams Racing.
Even as a reserve driver, Albon played a major role in Max Verstappen’s title race, his teammate. The data collected in simulators allowed Red Bull to obtain valuable information. With Albon’s transfer to Williams confirmed, Horner is delighted to see the Thai driver back on the F1 grid.
« Alex has been an extremely valuable asset in his role as a test and reserve driver this year, helping to bring simulator performance to the car every weekend, but for his career, it was important not to spend another season out of an F1 seat. With his place secured for next year, we are delighted to see him seize this opportunity and we will closely follow his progress.
