It’s been a while since we’ve heard the roaring engine of the Williams FW45, but team principal James Vowles is hopeful that Williams Racing, and Alex Albon, are revving up with renewed energy for the 2024 season.
The driving force behind the team’s resurgence, Vowles recently shared that he envisions Albon not only to conquer this year’s challenging circuits but to one day secure a Formula 1 World Champion title.
In a candid conversation with Motorsport.com, Vowles delved into the transformation he witnessed in Albon throughout the 2023 season. The 27-year-old Thai driver, instrumental in securing Williams’ seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship, showcased a level of maturity and skill that left Vowles genuinely impressed.
“I’ve known Alex for around eight years, and I couldn’t wait to come here [to Williams] and rekindle that relationship that we had before,” Vowles said. “He’s really quick, he has the right mindset – and that’s really important, not just for him but for any driver to get the most out of themselves.”
Albon experienced many highs and lows on his journey to the team. He was part of Red Bull’s young driver program and after being relegated to a test and reserve role, he found a new home at Williams in 2022.
Despite grappling with the demands of the FW45, he quickly amassed points in 2023, aiding his team’s ascent from the depths of the Constructors’ Championship.
Vowles sees this as much more than just a remarkable recovery. For him, it’s a glimpse into a future where Albon claims the top spot on the F1 podium as a World Champion.
“He’s not the same driver that I started with in Bahrain. He has really matured across the season, and he got the most out of the car, there is no doubt about that.”
“What I like about him is he hasn’t stopped growing yet. He hasn’t stopped maturing yet. He just wants to get in the car and drive quickly, and I think that’s why it works really well” Vowles explained.
In a separate interview with AmuS, Vowles praised Albon’s evolution, emphasising his newfound self-confidence and leadership skills.
“The Alex you see today is different from the Alex when he was at Red Bull or the Alex at the beginning of the season. He still lacked faith in himself. He has it now. He is happy, he is a leader, he has self-confidence, he works in a structured way and sets the direction.”
Albon’s impact on Williams’ performance has been undeniable. Vowles reflected on the team’s fight for seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship, admitting that he initially considered ninth place realistic and eighth place a dream.
“Today I know from Alex that he gets the maximum out of the car available to him at any time. And every time you put him under pressure, he withstands the pressure. He can cope with a car that is difficult to drive. This experience can be an advantage for him.”
“For me, Alex has the skills to become world champion. I mean that honestly.”
Albon’s impressive performances, securing points in seven races, propelled Williams into a position that exceeded expectations.
“This is a very different Williams team from what we saw at the end of 2022 and at the beginning of the season. When I started, I didn’t set a goal in which place we would finish the World Championship. I wanted to get this team back on its feet” said Vowles.
Vowles’ vision for Albon is a testament to the driver’s skill and maturity, and as the team gears up for the next season, Albon and Williams stand out as a promising symbol of success.
