Williams confirms multi-year deal with Albon, who agrees!

Williams Racing announced on Wednesday that Alex Albon with remain with the British outfit in 2023 and beyond.

Albon will thus embark on a second season with Williams, having joined the Grove-based outfit at the start of 2021.

"It’s really exciting to be staying with Williams Racing for 2023 and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve as a team in the remainder of this season and next year," commented the Anglo-Thai driver.

"The team is pushing hard to progress, and I am really motivated to continue this journey and further develop our learnings together."

A facetious Albon took to Twitter to confirm his team's announcement with a message that hysterically mocked Oscar Piastri's on tweet on Tuesday by which he denied signing with Alpine for 2023.

Albon's best result with Williams so far this season is a ninth-place finish in Miami. The team has been performing at the lower end of the field, but an update package implemented recently has helped lift the performance of Williams FW44.

"Alex is a tremendous driver and valued member of Williams Racing, so we’re thrilled to be able to confirm we will be working with him on a long-term basis," said Williams CEO Jost Capito.

"Alex brings a great blend of skill and insightful learnings that will help bring the team greater success in the future.

"He’s a fierce competitor, has proved a popular and loyal team member and we are delighted that he will provide a stable base for us to continue to develop in this new F1 car era."

Read also: Williams to run Sargeant in US Grand Prix first practice

Regarding Albon's teammate for 2023, the 26-year-old former Red Bull driver was expected until this week to be paired with Alpine protégé Oscar Pisatri on the basis of a loan between the Enstone squad and Williams.

But Piastri's apparent withdrawal from Alpine and potential move to McLaren in 2023 could represent a life-line for Williams incumbent Nicholas Latifi, whose presence in the team comes with a healthy budget from family sponsor Sofina.

Latifi could thus be retained, but Mercedes EQ works driver Nyck de Vries and Williams junior Logan Sargeant have also been cited as potential candidates for the Canadian's seat.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.