F1 team principal says ‘underrated’ racer has produced a ‘drive of champions’ in recent weeks

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Williams team principal James Vowles has said that Alex Albon produced a ‘drive of champions’ in Canada two weeks ago.

Vowles was speaking to journalist Tom Clarkson on the Beyond The Grid Podcast.

It’s hard to understate just how impressive Alex Albon’s race in Canada was.

The Williams is one of the slowest cars on the grid and went into the Grand Prix bottom of the Constructors’ Standings.

Rookie Logan Sargeant is still finding his feet in Formula 1 and hasn’t looked like scoring points all season.

Albon has produced some fantastic performances in qualifying but has found it difficult to convert those into points.

In Canada, he finally converted a strong start into a top-ten finish and drove magnificently.

He finished seventh, ahead of both Alpines, both McLarens and both Alfa Romeos.

James Vowles has now highlighted just how impressive Alex Albon’s drive was in Montreal.

He couldn’t be happier with his lead driver so far this season.

Vowles impressed with Albon drive in Canada

Asked about his herculean effort at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Vowles said: “There’s no ego, he’s a funny chap.

“But I called him yesterday to explain to him that that was a drive of champions and I’ve worked with a good number of them.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong at the point where he’s under pressure from four incredibly fast-charging cars behind on tyres that were in a much better state than his.

“And actually, some of the work he was doing on repositioning his car on the exit of [turn] 10 and a few other corners was very clever.

“And he recognises that and he knows that. He’s not someone that’s going to go and boast about it to the world, but for me, that was a drive of champions that he did.

“He’s definitely bringing the car to the limit of its performance which is what you’re looking for out of a driver.

“I think he’s very underrated and I’m incredibly happy that he’s here within our organisation today and hear for a long time.”

Vowles wasn’t the only person impressed with Alex Albon and the drive he produced for Williams at the last Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon praised their straight-line speed immediately after the race and will be frustrated he couldn’t score more points himself.

Williams are now five points clear of Haas in the Contructors’ Championship and only a point behind Alfa Romeo.

Albon is single-handedly lead the charge although the short straights of the Red Bull Ring are unlikely to suit him this weekend.