Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
Alex Albon is returning to Formula One next season. The Thai driver has signed with Williams for the 2022 season to replace his friend George Russell, who is moving to Mercedes next season.
Talking about the same, he explained how George has been influential in his return to the sport. He stated that it is because of Russell’s significant influence that he was able to beat Nyck de Vries for the Williams drive.
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So I owe George a lot of beers: Alex Albon
As reported by Formule1, the former Red Bull driver jokily thanked his friend for recommending him to the Williams board members. He also mentioned that he had some offers from other teams as well before signing with the British team.
“George has even supported me so well that one of the Williams board members said they couldn’t take his opinion too seriously because George gave me so much support. So I owe George a lot of beers,” said Alex.
Imago
Thai driver Alex Albon celebrated the first DTM win of his career in Sunday’s race eight at the iconic Nürburgring circuit to move up to fourth overall in the title race. // DTM at Nuerburgring, Germany on August 22, 2021 // Julian Kroehl / Red Bull Content Pool
He further mentioned that they will celebrate their signings a bit later. He did mention that he had started to look elsewhere as well if he wasn’t able to secure a seat in F1.
“You can’t just focus on Formula 1. If it doesn’t work out that way, you’ll be left empty-handed,” said Albon.
Explaining why he chose Williams over Alfa Romeo, he said, “This is a team on the way up. It is being invested in and when I visited the team, everyone seemed very positive and optimistic.” (Translated via Google Translate)
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Alex has been in one of the top teams: Jost Capito
According to Formula1, Williams CEO Jost Capito expressed his delight in signing the young driver. He explained the reasons they went for the Red Bull reserve driver over than candidates.
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Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 3, 2021 Williams’ Nicholas Latifi in action during practice REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
“We want to move forward; we don’t want to move backward. With that in mind, a driver who is still at the beginning of his career and has quite a lot of experience already was appealing.
“Alex has been in one of the top teams, has driven a race-winning car, has experience of being successful and being on the podium – and is eager to do that again.” said Capito.
Albon will partner Nicholas Latifi for the 2022 season. They were previously teammates in their F2 days in 2018.
Can Albon revive his career at Williams? Let us know what you think.
