F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Albon feels 'back in control on the limit' with Williams

Alex Albon says his return to the F1 grid this season with Williams has restored his confidence in his driving, with the Anglo-Thai racer now feeling once again "back in control on the limit".

Albon enjoyed an unexpected fairy-tale promotion to F1 in 2019 thanks to Red Bull that was followed by an in-season move up from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing.

But a disappointing campaign in 2020 during which he underperformed significantly relative to Max Verstappen sent Albon to the sidelines last year.

The 26-year-old kept himself partly busy with a driver in the German DTM series, but F1 beckoned once again and he was offered a multi-year deal with Williams with Red Bull's approval.

"Truthfully, the main thing I wanted, when I got back into F1, was to stay in F1," Albon said, quoted by RaceFans. "That sounds like a very silly thing to say, but it is true.

"You have a one-year contract, there’s no guarantee [of another]. And that box has been firmly ticked, let’s say."

So far this year, Albon has only scored three top-ten finished. But while points were few and far between, he established himself as Williams' indisputable leader and more importantly, restored his confidence and his self-belief in his ability and skills.

"In terms of myself, in terms of driving and getting that confidence back behind the wheel, basically getting into the rhythm of the car and feeling like I’m in control on the limit, I really do feel like I’ve got that bit back," he said.

"It was something which I kind of lost a little bit towards the end of that 2020 season. When you’re driving a DTM car, it’s a completely different thing. You can’t really gauge where you’re at.

"Now I really do feel like I’m driving well. And a lot of that is down to confidence in the car, and that again is something which I feel like I’ve ticked."

At Williams, Albon has been able to find his footing once again in F1 without any undue pressure. And "all things considered", he believes that he has acquitted himself well this year.

"I do feel like I’ve done a good job this year and I feel like I proved myself to what I know I can do," he said.

"Of course I still want to push on and still do good results and impress and show the team what I can do.

"But for this year, having the year out, and all things considered, I feel like it’s been a positive year. I feel like this has maybe even gone better than I expected it to."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Albon backs Colapinto despite crashes: ‘He’s a fantastic driver’

Alex Albon has defended his interim Williams teammate Franco Colapinto, arguing that the rookie’s costly…

1 hour ago

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

3 hours ago

McLaren’s 2024 Season: A triumph 26 years in the making

McLaren roared back to the pinnacle of Formula 1 in 2024, clinching their first Constructors'…

3 hours ago

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

5 hours ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

6 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

21 hours ago