Alex Albon, a driver for the Williams Formula 1 team, expressed profound belief that his squad is poised to advance further, building on their improved performance to fifth place in 2025.
The Williams team comfortably finished fifth in the constructors’ championship, marking their strongest outcome in ten years, thanks to the skilled and swift partnership of Albon and new colleague Carlos Sainz, who together amassed 137 points.
Although the team’s primary attention has been directed towards the 2026 season and subsequent years, their 2025 performance stems from a swift internal restructuring of the organization, spearheaded by team principal James Vowles and approved by proprietors Dorilton Capital.
After a challenging 2024 season, characterized by expensive accidents, a delayed and heavy car at launch, and numerous operational missteps, the 2025 results have instilled in Albon the conviction that Williams is now significantly better positioned to target the top four teams, rather than worrying about those behind them.
“There have been several seasons where our progress regressed. For me, 2024 notably marked a period of significant difficulties,” Albon remarked.
“However, the core structure of the team improved considerably, leading to a substantial leap from 2024 to 2025. A strong sense of enthusiasm, a positive internal environment, and significant hope now permeate the team. There is also a firm belief circulating within the group.”
Carlos Sainz took two podiums for Williams, including in Qatar
Photo by: Dom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
“I believe we are an organization capable of remarkable achievements. Even if our start [in 2026] were to be slow, I am confident that we possess a strong team that can discover remedies and adjust rapidly.”
“I was part of this team during our initial regulatory overhaul in 2022, which proved to be a difficult year. Observing our team now, I see a much more robust state. My trust in the team to produce a competitive vehicle for the upcoming year is immense.”
In 2025, Williams achieved podium finishes again, with Sainz securing two well-deserved third-place spots in Azerbaijan and Qatar. Nevertheless, Albon also emphasized that a substantial divide persists between Formula 1’s established top four—McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari—and the remaining midfield contenders.
“The difference in performance from tenth position to fifth is less significant than the difference from fifth position to first, or even from fifth to fourth,” he highlighted.
“Therefore, we acknowledge that we still face a considerable journey, yet I am hopeful that opportunities for me to reach the podium will arise sooner rather than later.”
