Alex Albon commits to Williams with multi-year F1 contract extension
Thai Formula 1 driver Alex Albon has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Williams team, guaranteeing his stay with the team beyond 2026. The news was confirmed by the team on Wednesday, ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
Since joining Williams in 2022, Albon has been a key player in the team’s development. He helped guide Williams to an impressive seventh position in the constructors’ championship, bringing new energy and optimism to the team. His arrival marked the beginning of a period of renewal, with Albon showing consistent performance and a technical approach that was crucial to the team’s progress.
Despite rumors of a possible return to Red Bull, Albon chose to continue his commitment to Williams. “I am incredibly pleased to be staying with Williams Racing and to be working with such a talented and dedicated team,” said Albon. “It’s been a tough start to the year, but since joining Williams, we’ve made significant progress together, and I’ve seen the big changes happen behind the scenes to take us back to the top of the grid.”
In 2024, Williams adopted a new car philosophy, which unfortunately led to a difficult start to the season with no top-ten finishes so far. However, Albon remains confident in the team’s potential and its ability to overcome these challenges.
“This is a long-term project that I really believe in and want to play a key role in, which is why I signed a multi-year contract,” Albon continued. “The journey will take time, but I am confident that we are building the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the coming years.”
Williams team principal James Vowles expressed his delight at Albon’s contract extension. “We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing. He has exceptional talent, valuable technical contributions, and commitment to the cause, and this is great confidence in Williams and our journey back to competitiveness,” said Vowles. “Since joining us, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and signing him long-term is an important piece of the puzzle as we move up the grid.”
With the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026, Albon will be at the forefront of Williams’ charge in this new era of Formula 1. Meanwhile, the identity of Albon’s 2025 teammate is still unclear, given the poor performance of Logan Sargeant. Possible candidates include Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly, and Valtteri Bottas.
Albon’s contract extension represents a significant statement of confidence in Williams’ direction and future potential. With strong leadership and renewed commitment, the team hopes to overcome current challenges and once again become a competitive force in Formula 1.
