Alex Albon gives verdict on 2024 Williams FW46 after pre-season testing

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Alex Albon has admitted that the 2024 Williams car is so different to last year that it feels like he’s driving for a different team.

Williams were the final team to share this year’s machinery with the world during a shakedown in Bahrain before pre-season testing began.

The Thai driver joined the commentary team on Sky Sports F1 during the Thursday afternoon session to share his thoughts on the FW46.

Albon admits new car feels like he’s driving for a different team

Every team in the Formula 1 paddock has arrived in Bahrain with a newer – and hopefully quicker – version of last year’s car.

There have been some big changes, with Red Bull evolving their car to a much bigger extent than anyone expected given their dominance last year.

Mercedes have a new front wing design that’s turning a lot of heads, while Ferrari look very quick too.

Williams took as much time as possible over the winter to develop their new car and suffered a couple of reliability issues on Wednesday as a result.

Logan Sargeant did a full day of testing on Thursday before the pair shared duties on the final day – at least until another loose drain cover halted proceedings.

Albon has shared his first thoughts on the new car and shared that it feels like he’s driving for a different team.

Given some of the speculation surrounding his future, that could actually end up being the case sooner rather than later.

However, if it was up to team principal James Vowles, he wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while.

Albon shares first thoughts on 2024 car

Talking about his first run in the FW46, Albon said: “So, most cars they carry a characteristic. Yes, regulations change and whatnot, but cars can have more downforce or other subtleties but they always carry a very strong DNA and you only really feel like changes when you change teams.

“That’s the way at least it felt for me. This feels like I’ve changed team but I’m obviously still at Williams.”

While it may feel like he’s driving for a different team given the extent of the changes to the Williams, Albon and Sargeant will have to quickly get to grips with the new machinery with the start of the season just around the corner.

They will be hoping to close the gap to the midfield this year, although RB’s development over the winter suggests they may be going backwards rather than forwards.

Albon has proved he’s one of the most accomplished drivers on the grid.

He might have his work cut out matching his points tally from 2023 this year.