Alex Albon has revealed that Williams is “thinking outside the box” when it comes to the team’s aspiration to emerge as a front-running outfit once again in Formula 1.
Williams recovered from a challenging start to the latest regulation set last season as Albon spearheaded its rise to seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship.
But the Grove-based camp’s choice to revamp the car concept to assemble a more rounded FW46 charger has seen it regress in competitiveness relative to its rivals.
Williams’ strive to rebound from a point-less opening to the campaign has encountered setbacks with a shortage of parts postponing updates and an overweight car.
However, Albon has renewed his contract with Williams on a multi-term basis, and the Anglo-Thai driver has insisted the squad’s potential is higher than it has shown.
Expanding on the reasons behind his extension, Albon told media last week: “Well, it’s firstly a team that I’ve been with. I know the team; I know the people in the team.
“I believe in the project. I believe in James [Vowles, Team Principal] and the board. So, I think the ceiling at Williams is higher than what we’re showing at the moment.
“And clearly, to me, especially around our direct rivals that we’re racing against right now, I think when I look at what the team should be able to achieve in the next few years, it should be higher than the teams we’re racing at right now.”
Vowles has sought to overhaul the outdated infrastructure that has held Williams back over recent times in preparation for the wholesale rules reset coming in 2026.
Albon hopes that the seismic renovations being undertaken behind the scenes will ensure that Williams is in a position to compete from the outset with the new cars.
Asked whether he believes he can win with Williams, Albon replied: “It will take time and I think there’s no secret that, especially how dominant a team like Red Bull is, they don’t really have a weakness. At the moment, we have a few, so it’s going to take time to do that.
“In terms of immediate success, no. We have to take realistic steps forward.
“But I do think we’re thinking outside the box in terms of how we are going to establish ourselves as a front-running team.
“If my contract is long enough to get the success, let’s see. But of course, if I see the direction we’re going is correct, then that’s another talking point.
“I even think next year might take a bit of time. But by 2026, I think we’ll have all our systems firing and it should be a good step.”
Albon reckons that Vowles’ planned overhaul at Williams has come at the optimal time as it will allow the British side to have a platform in place prior to the new rules.
“I believe so, but I believe every team believes that,” Albon responded when it was put to him that the impending regulation change could end up being a game-changer.
“I think there’s no secret that everyone keeps talking about 2026 being a chance.
“Realistically, my main feeling about 2026 is the foundations of a team need to be strong to be able to have a good season.
“A couple of years ago, I don’t think Williams were in that position to be able to be strong in 2026.
“We’re almost there, but we’ve got a year and a half to get there before we can.
“I think truthfully as well, the Mercedes PU should be strong, I’m hoping, and that should help us. Give us maybe another year to get and understand the regulations.”
