Heading into the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, one of the biggest Formula 1 storylines was whether we would see more news regarding a dynamic driver transfer market. The Miami Grand Prix brought word that Nico Hülkenberg would be moving to Sauber for the 2025 season, ahead of that team becoming the Audi works operation for 2026. And with rumors swirling about other drivers and teams, there was every expectation that more driver movement would be announced as the grid heads to Imola.
Well, we have our first bit of driver transfer news, but it is a case of a driver staying right where he is.
Williams announced on Wednesday that the team has reached a new deal with Alexander Albon, with the driver staying with the team on a new “multi-year” deal. According to the team, Albon’s new contract will keep him with Williams “into the new era of Formula 1 regulations,” which go into effect for the 2026 season. The team also stated that the multi-year deal “demonstrates a shared belief in the upward trajectory of the team.”
Last season Williams finished a stunning seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, surpassing almost all expectations for the team. Albon led the way, scoring all but one of the team’s points in 2023. Rookie driver Logan Sargeant scored the other point with a tenth-place finish in the United States Grand Prix last fall.
Team Principal James Vowles called Albon a “big piece of the puzzle” as the team looks to move up the grid. “We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing. He 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,” said Vowles in the team’s announcement. “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.”
Albon noted that while this season has been difficult for Williams so far, he sees the vision behind the scenes.
“I am incredibly happy to be remaining with Williams Racing and to continue working with such a talented and dedicated team of people,” said Albon. “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.”
Williams has yet to open their account this season, with their best results a pair of P11 finishes from Albon, first in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and then in the Australian Grand Prix. The race in Australia was notable as Albon suffered a hard crash in practice that damaged the chassis on his FW46, and with the team not having a backup chassis available, Vowles made the decision to bench Sargeant in favor of Albon, with Albon driving his teammate’s car.
