Another puzzle piece on the complicated 2025 F1 grid has been locked into place with Alex Albon re-signing long-term with Williams.
While the backmarker team did not confirm the exact length of the deal, the ex-Red Bull driver has signed “a multi-year contract extension which takes the partnership into the new era of Formula 1 regulations” – meaning until the end of 2026 at least.
“New contract, same passion, same goal! I really believe in this team and the journey we are on together. The potential is there, so let’s get to work,” Albon tweeted.
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After joining Williams for the 2022 season, scoring just four points in a poor car, Albon managed 27 of the team’s 28 points to finish 13th in the drivers’ standings – and most importantly power the team to seventh overall.
It’s a reasonable surprise though to see him locked into Williams, rather than seeking a drive at a team more likely to contend for points and podiums each week.
“We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing,” team principal James Vowles said.
“He has exceptional talent, technical input and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are on.
“Since joining, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and signing him for the long-term is a big piece of the puzzle of moving us up the grid.”
Albon’s decision takes up another spot for desperate drivers who are likely to lose their current spots.
Nico Hulkenberg’s move to quit Haas and join the future Audi team (currently Sauber) has Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu’s futures in doubt, especially with the team openly chasing soon-to-be-free-agent Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
If Sainz doesn’t take the other Audi seat, perhaps aiming to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon would be the leading contender.
Aussie Jack Doohan would be hoping to replace Ocon, after spending the 2024 season working behind the scenes at Alpine.
Hulkenberg’s current teammate Kevin Magnussen will be hoping to stick around as a veteran presence at Haas, with young Ollie Bearman linked to the other seat after his brilliant Ferrari cameo early in the season, but is no sure thing to keep his drive.
Logan Sargeant will surely be axed by Williams after failing to challenge Albon at all throughout his one and a bit seasons.
RB’s 2025 driver pairing is almost certain to be two of Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo and current backup Liam Lawson.