Linked with each Mercedes and Crimson Bull, Alex Albon insists that for now his complete focus is on getting the job finished for Williams.
Having already been ‘burned’ by the Crimson Bull expertise it’s comprehensible that in some methods the Thai teenager may to not topic himself to a different dose, nevertheless Lewis Hamilton’s shock transfer to Ferrari subsequent season has now opened up one other avenue.
Williams boss, James Vowles insists that the teenager will not be ‘on the market’, however as we’ve seen all too steadily contract have little worth, whereas everybody has a value, and although Albon may want to stay loyal it’s fairly doable that the Grove outfit and its homeowners may very well be tempted if the appropriate provide had been to return alongside.
Certainly, it’s claimed that although contracted for 2025, his former group has already supplied a “first possibility” contract, whereby it could have first declare on his providers for 2026.
Nevertheless, so far as Albon is anxious, the duty is to take Williams ahead.
“I might be denying it if I mentioned there’d been questions and basic chats round that wording,” he mentioned of a possible transfer, “however to illustrate, in truth, it is not likely personally my space, that is extra administration and that sort of part.
“My focus is about driving,” he continued. “The place I stand is I am very thrilling to see how this FW46 develops, how the automotive feels in Bahrain and the following four-five-six races and get a really feel for the development I hope we have made as a group.
“My complete focus is on Williams,” he insisted, “that is the place I see myself, I am seeing concerning the long-term future, and the speed of development to me can also be crucial. Time will inform, however that is my short-sighted view.
“After all issues are shifting round rather a lot, you guys know that, you guys additionally know there’s a variety of rumours going round, however that is the place I am at.”
Famously promoted to Crimson Bull from Toro Rosso to switch what was thought of an under-performing Pierre Gasly, Albon had a tricky time with the ‘massive group’ and was dropped after a season and a half. He subsequently returned with Williams and had clearly benefitted from the expertise of a smaller group, having frequently impressed, therefore the hyperlinks with Mercedes and his previous group.
“I really feel I am at or very near my peak,” he mentioned, “there’s all the time enhancements to be finished, however typically with my expertise now and the place I’m I really feel like I am deserving of a automotive that may rating podiums and combat for wins. That is simply being completely trustworthy with how I see myself.
“Greater than something, I need that group to be Williams and that is the place I put all my work and all my efforts into.
“It’s totally clear to me, particularly whenever you see the motive force market, there’s an enormous curiosity in groups wanting the identical driver for ’25 and ’26, that is the way it appears to be like prefer it’s taking part in out, and let’s examine about that.”
Requested if he would take into account different choices, he replied: Time will inform… my focus is on 2024, let’s preserve it like that.
“The true focus is on ensuring we make progress for 2025. Realistically need to be with the group. If the group are the place I need them to be, it’s going to be a long-term contract. We will go all the way in which or nothing, that is my concept at Williams.”
