Alex Albon outlines ‘totally honest’ stance on Williams future beyond 2024 F1 season

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Alex Albon has now admitted that he wants to be a part of the team that gets Williams back to the front of Formula 1. But he still wants to keep his options open past 2024.

The Grove-based outfit have Albon under contract through until the end of next year. But he is cautious about committing to a longer-term deal with Williams if it will hinder his hopes of winning Grand Prix. The London-born Thai is still chasing his first victory in F1 after 75 starts.

Albon also only scored two podium finishes during his time with Red Bull after taking two P3 results in 2020. He stood on the rostrum at that year’s Tuscan and Bahrain Grand Prix. But it was not enough to save his seat and the 27-year-old, ultimately, spent 2021 on the sidelines.

Alex Albon rebuilt his reputation in Formula 1 with Williams

Williams gave Albon a route back into Formula 1 to replace George Russell following the 25-year-old’s move to Mercedes. It has proven to be an inspired decision with Albon emerging as the team’s leader. He has also displayed some incredible racing pedigree to claim results.

Albon’s impeccable defending delivered P7 results at this year’s Canadian and Italian Grand Prix. He has also scored all 21 of Williams’ points in the constructors’ championship so far in 2023. Teammate Logan Sargeant is the only full-time driver still yet to score one single point.

Alex Albon opens up on his future with Williams past 2024

But fighting for points is not where Albon aspires to spend the rest of his career in Formula 1 at Williams or with a different team. He still dreams of being at the sharp end of the grid. So, while the London-born racer wants to restore Williams’ status, he will keep all options open.

“There’s a balance, really,” Albon admitted, via RacingNews365. “I think, being totally honest, I want to see this team and I want to be part of the team that brings this team forward.

“I think the rate of progress that we’re having here at Williams and seeing what’s happening behind the scenes is great. And I’m fully committed to the team until my contract pretty much ends. But you raise the point that I am also 27.

“Although I’m not young, I’m also not old. I do feel like good parts of my career, if you take another year [I’m] 28, 29, going on to 30 soon.

“I want to give myself the chance to be able to fight for wins and podiums. And that’s really what it comes down to. In that time, can we bring this team to be that team? I think I have the confidence in myself to keep myself open.”

Williams are far from the dominant force of the 1980s and 90s

Williams were one of the dominant forces in Formula 1 of the 1980s and 90s. They took Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve to the drivers’ title. They even won the constructors’ championship in nine years.

But Pastor Maldonado scored the last of Williams’ 114 race victories at the 2012 Spanish GP. The team have also not ranked in the top three in the constructors’ championship since the 2015 season. Williams were also the worst team in Formula 1 in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.