Williams’ Alex Albon reflects on his Formula 1 career so far and comments on his perceived uptick in form following the 2023 season as he heads into his third season with the team.
Alex Albon has been no stranger to the trials and tribulations of Formula 1 throughout his career. From an impressive rookie season to being sidelined from the sport at the hands of Red Bull, only to return to the sport in fighting form with the struggling Williams.
Once a giant of the sport, winning nine constructors championships during the 80s and 90s, Williams have suffered a stagnation in performance in recent years. Their 2023 results however represent a change in fortunes for the team. Led by a resurgent Alexander Albon, the team managed to bag P7 in the constructors championship, bringing praise to both the team and driver.
“I’ve been able to really showcase myself.”
Speaking to Motorsport.com/Autosport, Albon, no stranger to the whims of the Formula 1 media circus, delved into his experiences when first joining the sport and the highs and lows associated with his time at Red Bull.
“I get it. I understand why it happens,” he explained “When I look at my career, I had a very good year one, which in some ways got me promoted a little bit too quickly. A little bit inexperienced and vulnerable in 2020.
“Obviously, I had a year away and got my second opportunity back at Williams. But I never felt like I didn’t belong in Formula 1. I feel like as my confidence has gotten stronger and I’ve become more experienced, I’ve been able to really showcase myself.”
“You’ve got to be there at the right time.”
Albon continued on to explain that he finds it odd to receive so much more praise based on his current performances, as he feels he has performed at an equally high level earlier in his stint with Williams, albeit with a less competitive car.
“I do find it odd, you’re right.” Albon said. “I think there’s no such thing as a good driver in a bad team. For the same reason I like to mention Oscar [Piastri] and Lando [Norris], they’ve both had fantastic seasons. But if they’d never had that [McLaren] upgrade in the middle of the season, I’m not sure you’d be talking about them quite as much.
“It’s the same thing for us but on a smaller scale. Last year, I was having fantastic races in P16 but no one would talk about it because it would just be P16 and in the middle of nowhere. This year when I’ve had a good race it’s been in the top 10 and it’s been talked about so your stock naturally gets bigger.
“But that’s F1, you’ve got to be there at the right time.”
“Everything just feels like it’s been connecting easier.”
Then asked what had allowed him to perform more consistently in 2023 over earlier season, the young Williams man explained the most important factor was his experience, both in the sport and with the team.
“I think in some ways it’s a given because I’ve had more laps under by belt, another year with the team,” He replied when quizzed on his improved consistency. “I don’t think the raw speed has changed massively, but I’ve been able to get the car to suit me and to exploit the car. And I feel like I’ve been comfortable with the car every weekend.
“I know what the car needs to be quick. Everything just feels like it’s been connecting easier. And because of that, it’s easier to execute races as well and not make mistakes. I do think it’s been my best year.”
