Albon has impressed since joining Williams, consistently pushing the average F1 cars the team has provided him with to their limits, often exceeding expectations.
As the F1 community grappled with Lewis Hamilton’s stunning move to Ferrari in 2025, Albon’s name emerged as a potential candidate for the seat of the seven-time F1 Champion.
On February 5, Williams unveiled their 2024 challenger, the FW46, and James Vowles, the team’s boss, was questioned by the media regarding Albon’s chances of joining Mercedes.
“Alex is under contract with Williams until the end of 2025,” Vowles stated. “I haven’t made this public because I don’t see the need to. So any reports you come across, especially one in particular, are mere speculations.”
“It is our responsibility at Williams to cultivate an environment that is deserving of someone as talented as Alex,” the British team principal added. “That’s what I’ve been saying from the start, and I still stand by it. He is an exceptional driver who deserves to be at the forefront.”
“He delivered remarkable performances last year, on par with some of the other champions I’ve worked with. He successfully held off half of the field in one race, and he overcame challenging situations to score points.”
“Alex and I have had productive discussions about our future direction. We want to embark on this journey together for a long time. However, we must earn that privilege. It should not be handed to us, nor should it be expected.”
“So, going back to the initial question, we must demonstrate to the world that we are not the old Williams. We are not dwelling on the past; we are constantly moving forward,” Vowles insisted.
When asked if he would prevent Albon from moving to Mercedes, Vowles responded, “Would I stand in his way? I carry the responsibility of Williams on my shoulders, and that is what matters most to me. It’s not about one individual; it’s about the team.”
“If any decision is made, it will be because I firmly believe it is in the best interest of the team’s long-term goals, not short-term gains,” Vowles concluded.
In the 2023 F1 season, Williams finished seventh in the Constructors’ Standings with a total of 28 points. Albon contributed 27 of those points, while his teammate Logan Sargeant, who will continue with the team in 2024, added one.
(Reporting by Agnes Carlier, writing by Jad Mallak)
