Albon reflects on lessons learned and experience gained at Williams

Alex Albon expects to have to adjust his driving style this season as Williams seek to move up a gear after leaping from Formula One’s bottom-placed team to seventh last year.

Albon, who is now starting his third season at Williams, scored all but one of the former champions’ points last year and is a target for top teams as Mercedes and Red Bull consider their options for next year.

“Coming off the back of a very positive year we’re hoping to build on our progress into 2024, working hard to make some good steps forward in performance,” the Thai said, at a livery launch in New York on Monday.

Another bright season ahead for @alex_albon ✨#F1 @WilliamsRacing pic.twitter.com/cg2s1hwprm

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 5, 2024

The new FW46 Mercedes-powered car, blue with a red and white pinstripe, will make its track debut on a filming day in Bahrain on February 20 before official pre-season testing starts on February 21.

“We’ve asked a lot of the team and the factory to get this car where it needs to be, and we’ve also slightly changed the philosophy of the car. I’m interested to see if we can improve some of the characteristics it has historically had,” added Albon.

“It will require an adjustment in driving style but I’m confident it will be a change for the better.”

The presentation, at Puma’s flagship Fifth Avenue store, also introduced a principal partnership with Japanese machinery maker Komatsu.

The future is looking bright at Williams 💡

But, can they build on their impressive performance gains from last season? 👀#F1 https://t.co/9t5yhNCHwi

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 5, 2024

Komatsu also worked with Williams in the 1980s and 1990s, providing gearbox parts to the title-winning FW18 and FW19 cars. Williams, who last won a title in 1997, are owned by US-based private investment firm Dorilton Capital and also have the sport’s sole US driver in Logan Sargeant, starting his second season.

“Taking the time to properly reflect on my rookie season, there’s been a lot of lessons learned and experience gained that can only benefit me as I enter this new season,” said Sargeant.

Team boss James Vowles, who joined a year ago from Mercedes, said his two drivers were “capable of consistently fighting for points while helping lead our development for the future”.

“We’ll continue to strengthen the team both on and off the track through improvements to our infrastructure, investing in our people, and attracting fantastic new partners like Komatsu,” he added.

“It will take time, but everyone’s support is integral to help drive us towards success in the years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing what this season holds for us.”

The season starts in Bahrain on March 2.

Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is under investigation following an accusation of “inappropriate behaviour”.

It is understood the allegation was made by another member of staff for the British-based team, which last year carried Max Verstappen to his third consecutive world championship. Horner, 50, who has been Red Bull team principal since 2005, strongly rejected the accusation.

“After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation,” Red Bull said in a statement.

“This process, which is already under way, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister. The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Horner has overseen seven drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races staged last year, with Verstappen setting a record of 10 consecutive victories as he cruised to his third straight title.

Red Bull are due to launch their latest car on February 15, ahead of the new season.

Reuters and AFP