Jacques Villeneuve’s past comments about Alex Albon might worry Williams after confirming F1 ambassador role

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Williams have confirmed that Jacques Villeneuve will join the team in an ambassadorial capacity for the 2025 season. He returns after winning the 1997 world championship in their colours.

Williams gave Villeneuve his F1 debut in ’96, the year teammate Damon Hill took the title. It was his turn the following season after runner-up Michael Schumacher was disqualified.

The Canadian, son of F1 legend Gilles, moved to BAR in 1999, where he spent five seasons. He would finish his career at Sauber, retiring in 2006 with 11 victories to his name.

Villeneuve joins Jenson Button and Jamie Chadwick as ambassadors at Grove. Button, who won the title in 2009, started his F1 career with Williams 25 years ago.

Chadwick, meanwhile, will combine the role with the European Le Mans Series. She’s also served as a development driver for James Vowles’ squad.

Jacques Villeneuve issued brutal verdict on Alex Albon during his days at Red Bull

After retiring from racing, Villeneuve has moved into punditry. He’s developed a reputation for ruthless and controversial takes.

Speaking to Sky Italia during the 2020 season, he issued a scathing verdict on Alex Albon’s performances next to Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Albon scored 105 points that year to Verstappen’s 214.

“Albon is the worst second driver ever at Red Bull,” he said. “He is certainly not of the level that a Red Bull driver should have. He’s getting worse, even though they keep trying to help him.”

It will be a concern for Williams if these comments resurface. Albon might question why they hired someone who arguably disrespected him in the public domain.

The Thai driver is entering his fourth season with the team in 2025. Red Bull dropped him at the end of 2020, but after a year away, he’s rebuilt his reputation.

Martin Brundle has a warning for Williams over Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz partnership

Williams have one of F1’s best line-ups, in the opinion of fans at least, after pairing Albon with Carlos Sainz. The early signs suggest they will have a productive relationship.

Albon and Sainz have already devised a nickname, delighting their supporters. But will their friendship continue when the season gets underway?

• READ MORE: Carlos Sainz just named the biggest similarity between Charles Leclerc and new teammate Alex Albon

Both drivers know their reputations are on the line this year. This is a test of whether Albon has race-winning credentials in F1, while Sainz has just been dropped for the first time in his career.

Martin Brundle says Williams could be ‘a little uncomfortable’ this season because both drivers are ‘ferociously competitive’. It’s an unfamiliar dynamic for Vowles to manage after a sustained period with Albon as the clear number one.