With six rookies on the grid during the 2025 Formula 1 season, there are plenty of drivers who have the responsibility of leading a team while a young star learns the trade.
That’s not the case at Williams though, where they have two of the most experienced drivers contracted to drive for them over the next two seasons.
With the 2026 F1 regulations around the corner, some teams are already beginning to turn an eye to the future. There won’t be too much car development this year.
Since inheriting Alex Albon from Red Bull’s ranks, Williams have taken a clear step forward and now they have paired him with the excellent Carlos Sainz. They’re in a good position to challenge in the future.
Sainz was baffled by a ‘weird’ Williams problem at the Chinese Grand Prix, but still managed to score points after the post-race disqualification of both Ferrari cars.
Williams staff have noticed an amazing change in Albon recently, with his extra appetite to perform well set to serve them well this season. He’s already sixth in the drivers’ championship.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz explains why Alex Albon is already an absolutely ‘perfect’ teammate at Williams
Alex Albon has taken step forward after David Coulthard’s ‘make or break’ season statement
Ahead of the start of the Formula 1 season, David Coulthard warned Albon that the upcoming season could be ‘make or break’ for his career.
“Because away from the headline spotlight of they may battle for victories but probably not for the championship, it’s going to be really telling to see… it could make or break Alex’s future if Carlos was to dominate him,” he said.
Being dominated would do him no favours, but after the second race at the Chinese Grand Prix, he shows no signs of such form. He has been super so far.
On current pace, the Grove-based outfit have the fifth-fastest car on the grid and should be in contention for a rare podium somewhere this season.
Sainz is already ‘very comfortable’ at Williams, which bodes well for their future contention. They could be title contenders from next year if they hit the ground running during the new regulations.
READ MORE: Ted Kravitz spotted something ‘interesting’ in Carlos Sainz’s Williams garage that never happened at Ferrari
Why Alex Albon will continue to prove himself to be a valuable F1 asset for Williams in 2025
Having a highly-rated ex-Ferrari driver arrive at his team with plenty of experience of leading other teams to the top has its pros and cons for Albon.
For starters, it represents by far the sternest challenge he has faced since arriving at the team. It requires him to rise to the occasion.
It also means that he will gain his plaudits if he manages to beat him. So far, he has done so convincingly with two consecutive points finishes.
Albon has already beaten his points total for the entirety of the 2024 season. He has 16 after two races, while he managed just 12 last year.
Continuing this vein of form could generate interest from the likes of former employer Red Bull, who may need a new driver for 2026.
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