Still together
The F1 summer break is ending and here the driver market domino is starting to take shape, in this case from the lower group pieces whose fate was more predictable: Williams in fact officially announced today the contract renewal with Alex Albon, the Thai driver who just a few weeks ago became the driver with the most GPs raced in history with the Grove team, surpassing the previous record held by Nigel Mansell.
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Albon’s stay in the team was considered quite certain in the paddock, but it will now be interesting to see if his signing will accelerate the decision regarding the future of his teammate Carlos Sainz, who appeared much more uncertain and tempted by Audi’s sirens.
The official statement
“The Atlassian Williams F1 Team – reads the note released by the team to the media – confirms today that Alex Albon will continue to race with the team in 2027, reaffirming his commitment to bring Williams back to victory. Since joining Williams in 2022, Alex has been a key leader in the team’s transformation both on and off the track, and this renewal is a clear sign of mutual confidence in the long-term progress being made at Grove, despite a difficult 2026”.
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Words from Albon and Vowles
“Since I joined the Atlassian Williams F1 Team in 2022, the transformation this team has undergone is hard to describe in words. A difficult year doesn’t tell the whole story and only gives me more motivation to keep building and committing together with the factory and our fans to achieve great milestones – Albon said on the sidelines of the announcement – our story is not over yet, so now my focus is fully on doing whatever it takes to bring us back to the front of the grid“.
“I am pleased that Alex and the Atlassian Williams F1 Team continue this extraordinary journey together – said Williams team principal James Vowles – Alex has been a leader of this transformation project from day one and we still have a lot to do that we are determined to complete. Alex is one of the best drivers on the grid and knows better than anyone else the huge improvements we have made in recent years: his contract renewal shows the trust we both have in the direction we are taking”.
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