The 2026 System 1 season will convey up a outstanding landmark for Alex Albon.
Alex Albon has an necessary place within the historical past of the Williams staff (Picture: Getty)
Alex Albon is about to safe his place in Williams folklore this yr because the historic staff’s most prolific System 1 driver. Nigel Mansell at present holds the report for essentially the most begins representing the staff which first raced in F1 49 years in the past. However the 1992 world champion is about to be overtaken on the Miami Grand Prix in Could, at which Albon ought to make his 96th begin in Williams colors.
“I am very honoured,” the London-born Thai racer stated of the upcoming milestone. “It feels very surreal to consider. I do suppose I am a little bit bit blessed in the best way that we’ve so many races in a yr nowadays, so it is simpler to catch up, to illustrate. However it’s unusual to consider.”
The landmark will place Albon alongside greats like Damon Hill, Alain Prost and Jacques Villeneuve as a real Williams legend. All of them received championships with the staff, as did Mansell, although all of them did so throughout a much more profitable interval for the constructor.
Williams are approaching 30 years since their final title success, Villeneuve in 1997, however there are constructive indicators after a formidable rise to fifth within the championship final season, following years of driving round in the back of the grid.
Albon, who joined in 2022 after a yr out following his Pink Bull axe, stated: “I have been part of this undertaking for some time now and I hope it reveals the skin world that I am right here to see the way it goes, principally. I’ve seen the ups and downs. The second I joined this staff, the primary yr was an enormous step. I realised we had a giant journey forward of us and we did it final yr and it makes me very proud to see that step.”
Albon’s personal improvement has been spectacular, since his return to the grid following 18 tough months driving alongside Max Verstappen at Pink Bull, having been thrust in on the deep finish with only a handful of F1 races underneath his belt. He has but to win a race, although, whereas those that he competed in opposition to in karting as a toddler have already risen to prominence.
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The Williams racer stated: “I am happy with Lando and it is wonderful to see him get the championship. I believe now it will be George’s flip to have the ability to struggle for it, which I will be excited for. My objectives nonetheless stay the identical. I need to grow to be a System 1 world champion. I need to get my first System 1 victory. That is nonetheless my ambition and I am nonetheless working in the direction of that purpose.”
He’d like to do it with Williams however, conscious of his age and the truth that his present deal expires this yr, Albon is aware of he can’t commit simply but. He stated: “It is an enormous driver market this yr and there is numerous shifting elements. It will be fascinating to see the place individuals go, not simply when it comes to the individuals within the paddock now however there’s all the time System Two drivers coming via. In some ways, the pecking orders have been fully reset. As groups go and drivers go, there’s alternative in every single place.”
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