Alex Albon has signed a multi-year contract extension with Williams.
The British-born Thai driver was linked with both Red Bull and Mercedes, but has now agreed a deal that will keep him at Williams at least until the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Confirming the extension on Wednesday, Williams said Albon had signed “a multi-year contract extension which takes the partnership into the new era of Formula 1 regulations”, which will be introduced in 2026.
The 28-year-old joined Williams in 2022 after a year away from the sport, having been fired at the end of 2020 by Red Bull after one season as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
“I am incredibly happy to remain at Williams Racing and continue to work with such a talented and dedicated team,” said Albon.
“It has been a difficult start to the year, but since joining Williams we have made significant progress together and I have seen the huge changes happening behind the scenes to get us back to the front of the grid.
“This is a long-term project that I truly believe in and want to play a key role in. That is why I have signed a multi-year contract. The journey will take time but I am confident that we let’s build the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the years to come.”
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Albon took Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz on a tour of Bangkok to open a new gym for local children, sample the local cuisine and reflect on the ups and downs of his career so far.
Although team principal James Vowles has repeatedly dismissed speculation about Albon’s future by insisting his previous contract ran until the end of 2025, as recently as the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, the Thai driver refused to confirm he would drive for Williams next season. .
Williams appeared to improve as Albon drove impressively to finish 13th in the 2023 world championship, but the team has failed to score a point in the first six races of the current campaign.
“We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing,” said Vowles.
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Albon covers the track with debris to bring out the red flag in the first practice session of the Australian GP
“He has exceptional talent, technical contribution and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are undertaking.”
“Since his arrival, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and recruiting him for the long term is an important piece of the puzzle in moving us forward up the grid.”
More soon…
Sky Sports F1 Emilia Romagna GP Live Schedule
Thursday May 16
1:30 p.m.: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday May 17
8:50 a.m.: F3 training
10 a.m.: F2 training
12:00 p.m.: First practice for the Emilia-Romagna GP (session starts at 12:30 p.m.)
2:00 p.m.: F3 qualifying
2:55 p.m.: F2 qualifying
3:45 p.m.: Second practice for the Emilia-Romagna GP (session starts at 4 p.m.)
5:30 p.m.: The F1 Show
Saturday May 18
9 a.m.: F3 Sprint
11:15 a.m.: Third practice for the Emilia-Romagna GP (session starts at 11:30 a.m.)
1:10 p.m.: F2 Sprint
2:10 p.m.: Preparing for qualifying for the Emilia-Romagna GP
3:00 p.m.: Qualifying GP of Emilia-Romagna
5 p.m.: Ted’s qualification log
5:30 p.m.: Indy 500 qualifying
Sunday May 19
7:30 a.m.: F3 featured race
9 a.m.: F2 featured race
12:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Emilia-Romagna GP
2:00 p.m.: The EMILIA ROMAGNE GRAND PRIX
4:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Emilia-Romagna GP
5 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
8 p.m.: Indy 500 qualifying
Formula 1 heads to Europe as Imola returns to the calendar following the cancellation of last year’s race. Watch the Emilia-Romagna GP from May 17-19. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contracts, cancel anytime
