Alexander Albon will continue to drive for Williams in 2026 and beyond after agreeing a new deal with the team.
Team principal James Vowles said securing the services of the former Red Bull driver is “a big piece of the puzzle of moving us up the grid.”
Albon made his return to F1 racing at Williams in 2022. He arrived in the series three years earlier at AlphaTauri (now RB) and was promoted to Red Bull mid-season. But following a difficult 2020 campaign Red Bull relegated Albon to a reserve driver role for 2021.
Since his comeback, Albon has established himself as Williams’ leading driver. He scored all bar one of their 28 points last season, single-handedly lifting them to seventh place in the constructors’ standings, their best finish since 2017.
His previous deal kept him at Williams until 2025. The new extension will ensure he remains at the team when F1 introduces its next set of technical regulations in 2026.
Albon said he is “incredibly happy to be remaining with Williams” but acknowledged his third year at the team had got off to a difficult start. He is yet to score a point after six rounds.
“It has been a difficult start to the year but since joining Williams we have made significant progress together and I have seen the huge changes happening behind the scenes to take us back to the front of the grid.
“This is a long-term project that I really believe in and want to play a key role in which is why I have signed a multi-year contract. The journey will take time but I am confident we are building the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the years to come.”
Vowles took over as team principal last year. He is seeking to move Williams back up the grid following its takeover by Dorilton Capital in 2020.
He said Albon has “exceptional talent, technical input and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are on.
“Since joining, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and signing him for the long-term is a big piece of the puzzle of moving us up the grid.”
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Formula 1
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