Alexander Albon extended at Williams in 2023

After Aston Martin et Alpine, it is the turn of Williams to make its transfer window announcements. The Grove-based team has just confirmed its driver Alexander albon for the next season. The Thai is therefore guaranteed to have a seat in Formula 1 on the grid as his contract expired at the end of the year. Arrived in 2022 at Williams, but on loan from Red Bull, Alexander Albon didn't really have any other way out with the Austrian team after Pérez's extension. The bull brand still had an option to repatriate it in 2023. 

🚨 Announcement 🇹🇭

Our number 23 stays for 2023 and beyond!@Alex_Albon commits his future, signing a multi-year contract 👊#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/MJ4aMXoFZj

- Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 3

« I'm here for 2023 and beyond. This year has been a good year. We want more, but that's the goal and that's what we're going to aim for ", announces Alexander Albon, pointing to Williams' trophy cabinet. With a multi-year contract, the Thai can look forward to his future more calmly. “ It's nice to have some peace of mind moving forward with my career and also to stay with Williams. Obviously, we had a very good start to the season. I'm really enjoying my experience here and I'm really happy for the future and for the rest of the season we're going to keep our heads down. For the rest of the season, we will stay focused on optimizing the car and doing the best job possible. But knowing that the contract goes beyond 2023 is very exciting. » 

A satisfaction shared by Jost Capito, Williams team principal. “ Alex arrived at the team at the start of this year and has quickly become a valuable member of Williams Racing. Everyone loves working with him. We are very happy that he is staying with us and we are absolutely convinced that we are going to a better future with him. The drivers are an integral part and very important to the success of every team and so Alex plays a major role and so far this season he has played a fantastic role in motivating everyone, pushing everyone, giving excellent feedback on the car, having a good relationship with everyone in the team, with the bosses, with the mechanics, with his engineers and everyone in the team was pushing to keep him on board for the future “, explains Jost Capito. 

Arrived in Formula 1 in 2019 within the Team Toro Rosso, Alexander Albon quickly distinguished himself in the premier category. To the point that after the first twelve races of the season, the Thai was chosen to replace Pierre Gasly in difficulty at Red Bull. That same year, the 26-year-old driver was on the verge of his first podium, but a collision with Lewis Hamilton sends him into the background. 

I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year.

😂 let's gooo @williamsracing 💪 pic.twitter.com/NNljcXOieE

- Alex Albon (@alex_albon) August 3

Alexander Albon, some highlights at Williams in 2022

Alexander Albon finally finished the season in 8th position with 92 points. Performances which will allow him to be extended by Red Bull. But the second season alongside Max Verstappen will prove difficult for the Thai. And at the end of the season, Sergio Pérez was appointed in his place, forcing him to be content with the role of test and development driver. Alexander Albon will then have to wait a year before returning to Formula 1 with Williams. 

This season, the Thai has achieved some success by getting into the points twice. In Australia with his 10th place and in Miami finishing 9th, his best result since his return to Formula 1. But with his FW44, the former Red Bull driver often had to be content with places close to the points as in Baku or in Austria. However, with three points on the clock, Alexander Albon is still ahead Nicholas latifi at Williams. In qualifying, the Thai finished 11 times ahead of the Canadian. In the race, the ratio is still in favor of the former Red Bull driver with 9 victories against his teammate in 13 Grands Prix. If a seat has just been confirmed at Williams in 2023, the British team has yet to confirm Alexander Albon's teammate. Logan sargeant would be well-positioned to make his debut next season. 

ALSO READ > Why we shouldn't underestimate the Logan Sargeant track at Williams in 2023