Alex Albon will return to Formula One after missing out on a seat in the 2020 season. He will race for the Williams in 2021 to replace the Mercedes-bound George Russell. There was a bit of cloud if Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff would block the Thai driver’s return, but Williams decided on him, anyway.

Williams is a team that uses Mercedes engines, and Albon is a Red Bull driver. Mercedes and Red Bull are currently battling for the constructors’ championship. Wolff mentioned he is happy that Albon will race for Williams despite the Red Bull connection.

WATCH STORY: Mad Max: Verstappen’s Angriest Rants on Team Radio

There are very strict and clear IP confidentiality clauses: Toto Wolff

As reported by Motorsport.com, Wolff mentioned that there are some clauses in Albon’s contract regarding the engine. He stated that he never interfered in Williams’s decision to choose their driver.

“We always respected the authority of choosing its drivers for a team. I was at Williams, and I would have wanted nobody to interfere in our driver’s decision,” Wolff said.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Adrian Newey’s “Personal Issue” With Christian Horner the Reason Behind Red Bull Mastermind’s Exit

April 27, 2024 10:51 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Lawrence Stroll Offers Adrian Newey $100 Million to Poach Him From Frederic Vasseur and Co’s Interest

April 26, 2024 03:16 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“And in the same way, we have no contractual rights that we could have or would have used because I don’t think it’s right to meddle with the team’s decision on drivers.

What was important for us is if a driver from another power unit manufacturer joins the team, then there are very strict and clear IP confidentiality clauses. That was always in great harmony with Williams.

They know exactly where we are coming from and what is important to protect. He is basically a Williams driver for the next 12 months. He has no links to Red Bull during that time.” said Wolff.

Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?

The Mercedes team boss welcomes Albon back to F1

Toto Wolff mentioned he is happy that Alex Albon will be back in the sport after a year’s hiatus. He also took a slight dig at Red Bull as he stated Albon went to Williams as he could get a seat in Red Bull-backed teams.

“To be honest, I absolutely am supportive, even though it’s none of my business, of Alex Albon,” Wolff said.

“He deserves to be in F1, he’s a great guy, and I’m happy for him he’s in the car. He’s there as he didn’t get a place in AlphaTauri or in Red Bull, but he’s at Williams now and hopefully stays there for a long time,” concluded Wolff.

Albon will partner Nicholas Latifi next season and will hope to help Williams in its quest to get back on top in F1 again.

Can Albon start strongly at Williams? Let us know.