Alexander Albon, now in his fourth year as a Williams driver, notes a distinct change in the team’s approach this year. “The most important thing is always to identify the weak points as soon as you drive a new car for the first five laps,” Albon explains. “Then there’s a process to address those points, to make us faster. We’ve improved that year after year.”
Albon plays a significant role in this. “I think I’m good at providing feedback regarding the car’s development. Each year it became easier to drive. This year’s car is by far the easiest to handle, the most predictable. Of course, driving style has something to do with it. For us, the weak points of our car were glaringly obvious, based on GPS data and comparisons with other cars.”
What’s next? “Then you start tweaking it conceptually. You try different things. I think we made the biggest strides in 2023 and 2024 in terms of the car’s balance. By now, we are the most consistent midfield team in many races, because we have a car that can handle anything and has no major weaknesses.”
Potential of Williams
A Williams car that scores points almost every race weekend is a breath of fresh air for Albon. “We no longer go to every circuit with the thought that you must avoid crashing. Or that there’s a lot you can’t do. We have spare parts. Moreover, the car is not as heavy anymore.” In this regard, a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. “Our approach is now much more relaxed. It’s very different from a race weekend where you know it has to happen then. Because four or five will follow where it will be difficult.”
