Photo via Williams Racing
Amidst all the drama in the Formula 1 “Silly Season,” Williams Racing and Alexander Albon have agreed to a multi-year contract that will keep the Thai driver at Williams for the 2023 season and beyond.
Albon is currently in his first year with the team after a year of being Red Bull Racing’s reserve driver in 2021. He has all three of Williams’ points with a P10 finish at Australia and a P9 finish during the Miami Grand Prix.
While Williams Racing sits at the bottom of the standings, Albon has shown signs of improvement and confidence since his days at Red Bull, running every lap at Australia before pitting on the final lap and gaining a point for the team.
Albon poked fun at the Oscar Piastri-Alpine drama with a tweet after his deal with Williams was announced.
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, 2022
“He’s a fierce competitor, has proved a popular and loyal team member and we are delighted that he will provide a stable base for us to continue to develop in this new F1 car era,” Team Principal Jost Capito said. “Alex brings a great blend of skill and insightful learnings that will help bring the team greater success in the future.”
Teammate Nicholas Latifi is the only driver to not have a point on the 20-car starting grid, and his contract is up after this season. Williams also announced that Carlin and American driver Logan Sargeant will replace Latifi for the FP1 session during the United State Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Oct. 21.
The 2022 Formula 1 season is still on summer break, but with Fernando Alonso and Piastri shaking up the 2023 starting grid, there will be more news to come. Next up for racing is the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on Aug. 28.
