When Williams lost George Russell to Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season, it was easy to wonder about the team’s long-term chances of success having lost its talisman driver, just as F1’s new generation of technical regulations arrived.
But when Red Bull lobbied Williams to put Alexander Albon into their vacant seat for 2022, it seemed like a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.
Pushed aside by Red Bull in favour of Sergio Perez for 2021 after his difficult 2020 season alongside Max Verstappen, Albon’s behind-the-scenes work developing the RB17B and running simulator session throughout race weekends to support the pair was invaluable. Team principal Christian Horner giving Albon considerable credit for his contributions to Verstappen’s eventual championship-winning campaign.
After the first six races of the season, even Russell was full of praise for his successor, who scored points finishes both in Australia and Miami.
“Alex has done an exceptional job,” said Russell ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. “There was obviously no secret he had a tough time that Red Bull. But I think all of us, even probably Max included, just knew how talented Alex was.
“We’ve all raced each other since 2011. He’s always been one of the very best, so it’s no surprise to me, and I think happy to see that he’s back in Formula 1, and that he has cemented his position.”
Having worked closely with the Thai-British driver on his return to racing in Formula 1, Williams’ head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson, had even higher praise for the team’s newest driver when speaking to media including RaceFans ahead of last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.
“I think, overall, his performance has been outstanding,” said Robson. “Particularly in the races. I’m very impressed with the way he handles himself during the race.
“Qualifying is always difficult because of the pace of the car. But in…
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