F1. GP Imola 2024, Albon: “I renewed with Williams because of the trust in the project even if there were other teams like…” – Formula 1

On the eve of the 2024 Imola Grand Prix, Williams announced the multi-year renewal of Alexander Albon. Here are his words on the matter

May 16, 2024

Lto Formula 1 warm up your engines for the seventh seasonal event, the first on Italian soil, the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2024. After a year of forced stop due to the flood emergency that hit the region, the Circus returns to Italy, in the heart of the motorvalley, on the banks of the Santerno. On Thursday, theEnzo and Ino Ferrari racetrack in Imola is coming alive, not only due to the free opening of the fanzone to the fans, but due to the drivers’ activities with the media. On the eve of the weekend, Williams has announced a multi-year extension to his deal with Alexander Albon. Anglo Thai has commented thus the renewal with the Grove team.

TOn the eve of the 2024 Imola Grand Prix, Williams announced that Alexander Albon, a driver now in his third season with the British team, has signed a multi-year agreement. The term has not been disclosed, but it is assumed that he will also be part of the team in the new technical era of Formula 1 in 2026. The arrival at Grove for the Ango Thai driver was a real lifeblood for his career which had been temporarily blocked at the end of the 2020 season, when Red Bull has decided not to extend its stay in Milton Keynes alongside Max Verstappen, preferring Sergio Perez. The call from the Austrian world champions had arrived during the championship in progress, when Pierre Gasly’s performances had not met expectations, forcing Christian Horner to find a replacement, opting for Albon, a young driver from their academy managed by Helmut Marko. “I understand that signing a renewal so soon after my deadline is strange” he has declared Alexander Albon. “But there are so many changes taking place behind the scenes at Williams and I think, along with James who I trust a lot, that was important give the team a direction to follow. Because we have goals to achieve in the coming years and we are laying the foundations right now.”

Pbefore Williams’ official announcement, Alexander Albon occupied the center of the drivers’ market, a silly season that started decidedly early with the signing of Lewis Hamilton on the contract signed by Scuderia Ferrari in February. The eyes of many teams were focused on the driver; in particular, it was assumed that he could be the right one replacement for the seven-time world champion in Mercedesor a return to Red Bull if the team decides not to renew with Sergio Perez, expiring at the end of the season. “I think it’s more a question of travel, of looking elsewhere but I don’t think there are many possibilities out there. Maybe there is only one place at Mercedes but a lot still needs to happen. I preferred to look at the present and see with the team what areas need improvement to develop the car.”

QWhat is certain, however, besides his permanent residence in the Grove, is that Albon will have to continue to carry the team on his shoulders. Logan Sargeant could put an end to his experience in Formula 1 even before the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi and the replacement could be the young Andrea Kimi Antonelli when he comes of age in August. We can therefore say that Albon we are the Williams man who, together with the team principal James Vowles, allowed the team to take seventh place in the constructors’ championship last year and to also be a candidate for a hotly contested season with the other mid-table teams for 2024. “We need to focus on building the team, there is stability now and James has already said he wants me to be part of that journey. In this project I believe that my role is not just a pilot, but much more. Above all, it was James’ experience that convinced me to sign. He spoke clearly right from the start and I, as an insider, see the changes, I believe in the steps forward we are making. It will still take time but the foundations are solid. I didn’t make this choice for the money but for the trust I have in JamesI enjoy working with them. I’m honest, I know that in Red Bull I would have a better chance of winning, but in Williams I feel the values ​​of a family. In realistic terms we can’t fight with the top teams but my contract is quite long, so who knows”.