In the early stages of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Williams struggled to make their mark, remaining one of the two teams that had yet to score any points. While Alpine celebrated its first points in Miami, Williams found itself alongside Sauber as the only team still searching for a top-ten finish. However, things started to change when Alex Albon made a breakthrough by finishing ninth in Monaco. This race was particularly intense for him as he spent a significant amount of time closely trailing Yuki Tsunoda, a clear indication of the ongoing challenges the team faced with the FW46, which had exceeded the minimum weight requirement.
Fast forward to the present season, and Albon’s performance has dramatically improved. He has managed to score points in all but one of the seven races conducted so far, finishing in the top five three times, showcasing his impressive form with the enhanced 2025 racing package from Williams. Despite these achievements, Albon’s qualifying results reveal a competitive dynamic within the team, as he trails his new teammate, Carlos Sainz, in their direct head-to-head qualifying performances, with Sainz leading 4-3 (excluding sprint qualifying).
Sainz’s race strategies haven’t always played out in his favor, often leaving him to navigate through traffic due to less-than-ideal starts. For instance, his brief first stint at Imola put him in a difficult position, forcing him to fight his way back into contention for points. Albon, on the other hand, expressed a hint of disappointment regarding his fifth-place finish, particularly due to his strong pace late in the race. He reflected on his battle with Charles Leclerc and suggested that he could have approached it differently, potentially even creating pressure on Oscar Piastri, who finished third.
“It’s a curious situation,” Albon shared with Sky Sports F1 after the race in Imola. “In terms of pure racing, we were contending for positions three and four, but without the safety car, it was just an ordinary race scenario. While we might have benefitted from the Virtual Safety Car, we also faced misfortune with the last safety car. It’s a bit odd to walk away with back-to-back fifth-place finishes and still feel a sense of disappointment.”
He elaborated further, saying, “I thought I could have raced Charles differently, and perhaps I could have been more patient during my overtakes. With the pace we had on the new tires, I was even optimistic about potentially catching up to Oscar as well.”
The transformation in Albon’s performance comes as Williams has made significant strides in the 2025 season. As a former Red Bull driver, Albon has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, often outpacing Sainz over longer stints in races. His proficiency in tire management has allowed him to execute strategic races effectively, reminiscent of his performance in Australia back in 2022, where he managed to secure a tenth-place finish while using the same set of tires for nearly the entire race.
With Williams now in a position to consistently challenge for points, Albon is finally receiving the recognition he deserves, having spent a considerable part of his post-Red Bull career developing his skills in the lower midfield. However, Albon remains cautiously optimistic about the team’s ongoing performance. Despite the notable improvements, he has expressed some skepticism regarding whether this newfound competitiveness is sustainable.
“It’s a peculiar feeling,” Albon admitted. “I keep telling myself that this might not last, but then we show up at each race and find ourselves performing well again. I didn’t expect us to be competitive at Imola, but we were surprisingly quick, and that opens up possibilities for future races. I believe we can be competitive in Monaco, though Barcelona might be a different story.”
Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, has credited the arrival of Sainz for motivating Albon to elevate his performance. He emphasized the positive dynamic between the two drivers, which has fostered a collaborative atmosphere that benefits both parties. Vowles elaborated on how Albon’s lack of political maneuvering within the team has allowed for a genuine exchange of data and insights between him and Sainz.
“Alex, like any athlete, thrives on being pushed to reach his full potential,” Vowles explained. “No elite competitor can consistently find their absolute limit without some external motivation. We’ve been analyzing data together, and Alex has been able to observe areas where Carlos approaches corners differently. This exchange of ideas has been beneficial for both drivers.”
Vowles further noted that Albon’s willingness to assist Sainz has fostered a unique environment within the team. “Alex has no ulterior motives; he loves racing and driving fast cars. From the onset, he was sharing insights with Carlos, suggesting ways to improve. This level of collaboration is quite rare; typically, drivers tend to keep this information to themselves to gain an advantage.”
As the season progresses, Albon’s strong performances continue to signal Williams’ potential resurgence in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. With improved performance and a collaborative spirit among the drivers, the team is poised to challenge for points consistently, making for an exciting season ahead.
The transformation of Williams and Albon’s role within the team illustrates the importance of collaboration and adaptability in achieving success. As both Albon and Sainz continue to push each other, the team’s prospects look promising, and fans can only hope that this positive trend continues throughout the rest of the season. With a focus on strategic racing and effective tire management, Williams is beginning to carve out a place for itself in the midfield battle, generating a renewed sense of optimism for the team and its supporters.
Albon’s journey serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where performance can fluctuate dramatically from season to season. The combination of a strong driver lineup and a commitment to continuous improvement could prove to be the key to unlocking Williams’ full potential in the races to come. As the drivers look ahead to the next races, they remain eager to build on their recent successes and further establish themselves within the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
