Anglo-Thai driver Alex Albon is unwilling to say whether or not he’ll see out a contract that ties him to Williams till the top of 2025.
Apart from the truth that this 12 months, as was the case in 2023, he has carried the hopes of Williams single-handed, and within the course of raised his profile accordingly, Lewis Hamilton’s shock transfer to Ferrari has thrown the driving force market into chaos.
Then there may be the persevering with hypothesis over the way forward for Sergio Perez at Purple Bull within the quick time period, and Max Verstappen in the long run.
Williams crew boss, James Vowles has admitted that regardless of having a contract for 2025, ought to one of many massive groups search Albon’s companies he wouldn’t stand in his method.
In the meantime, in keeping with Motorsport Week, requested if he will certainly be with Williams subsequent season, Albon replied: “Erm… I will not remark for now. I am nonetheless targeted on this.
“The whole lot is transferring early, in a short time,,” he added, “clearly Nico has simply pulled considerably of a set off at Sauber (Audi) and I am certain the second goes to comply with quickly.
“The whole lot together with my deal with the place I’m going, not a lot for subsequent 12 months however the 12 months after, specializing in that facet of issues,” he added. “These subsequent couple of weeks are the place the selections for the entire grid goes to be finalised.”
The annual video games of who goes the place often will get underway round August, however the Hamilton announcement, to not point out the turmoil at Purple Bull and pending arrival of Audi, has modified all that.
“In truth I’ve by no means been in a lucky place to have talks so early,” stated Albon. “It’s new for everybody not simply myself. “There is a bit extra work, you see much more managers strolling across the paddock at the moment of the 12 months. He is out right here for the primary time this 12 months,” he added, referring to his personal supervisor.
An additional complication is the foundations overhaul for 2026, which is able to see groups looking for continuity and expertise, alternatively there isn’t a arguing that Williams is struggling this season, although Albon believes it’ll come good in the long run and {that a} stronger 2025 ought to stand it in good stead for the overhaul season that follows.
Requested whether or not a contract that covers such a interval of nice change is an important a part of his negotiations, the teen stated: No, not a lot. I feel it’s extra simply the gelling of the crew… the groups like that.
“2025/26 is a pleasant technique to perceive how the crew have conceptually designed their automotive and if you go to 2026 there may be going to be such an enormous distinction to the automotive it is good to know the place the DNA of the automotive is.
“It is vital simply to suggestions, understanding the language, the communication, that’s the reason groups are so targeted on 2025-26 transition. Is it make or break? No.”
