Alex Albon signs 'multi-year' extension at Williams F1 team

Alex Albon has signed a “multi-year” extension with Williams, the F1 team has announced.

The Thai-British driver, who has been linked with McLaren and Alpine amongst others, said it was “really exciting” to carry on with a team which has helped him rebuild his F1 reputation after a year out following being dropped by Red Bull at the end of 2020.

On his return this season, Albon put in an impressive drive from last to 10th at the Australian GP, and also scored points in Miami, comfortably outpacing his team-mate Nicholas Latifi who has been at the team for three years.

Albon’s performances meant his name was linked to other vacancies on the F1 grid, particularly in light of the Alpine-Oscar Piastri row unfolding, but now Williams has put speculation to bed by announcing him for “2023 and beyond”, making it likely he has a 1-year deal with an option to carry on beyond that.

“I’m here for 2023 and beyond,” said Albon in an announcement video, joking that he’d be with the team until he’s 45. “It’s been good year this year.”

Pointing to the Williams trophy cabinet, he said: “We wanted more but this is the goal and that’s what we’re going for.

“It’s nice to have some peace of mind, obviously, going forwards about my career and then to be with Williams.