Alex Albon has expressed that he would be prepared to go up against whichever Formula 1 driver comes in alongside him at Williams in 2025, including Carlos Sainz.
Williams boss James Vowles has disclosed that Sainz is his main target to replace the under-pressure Logan Sargeant as he aims to return the side to the sharp end.
But while Williams looked to be closing on Sainz’s coveted services last month, Alpine entering the mix over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend has protracted the saga.
READ MORE: Williams warns Sainz it won’t serve as a ‘stepping stone’ F1 team
Nevertheless, Vowles reiterated at Silverstone that he regards Sainz to be a “world-class driver” and Williams remains in contention to land the outgoing Ferrari driver.
Albon, who penned a multi-term extension with Williams, has claimed that he would relish the chance to go up against the three-time F1 race winner should that arise.
Having been partnered with Nicholas Latifi and Sargeant since 2022, the Anglo-Thai racer also believes that Sainz’s possible addition would bring valuable experience.
“I mean, truthfully, on my side, I’m not so opinionated or fazed about who my team-mate is,” Albon said in Barcelona last month.
“In terms of experience and general developing of the team, of course it would be beneficial. We’re on this long journey, on this long project.
“We need feedback and, of course, I look at myself back from my Red Bull days.
“When I joined Williams, there were a lot of things I could bring to the table, which I felt was helping my feedback, but also the performance of the car.
To be honest with you, there are so many names on the list. Whoever it may be, I think it would be a driver with experience that would come in.
“In that case, it’s not really my state, but it would be important for us, especially if we want to be fighting for the midfield in the next few years.”
Asked what his relationship was like with Sainz compared to other drivers on the grid, Albon responded: “As good as it is with everyone else. There’s no differences.”
He added: “We were in the lounge together [in Montreal], but there were a lot of drivers in the lounge together.”
Vowles declared that Albon’s renewal represented a much-needed testament to the work going on behind the scenes at Williams to transform the squad’s prospects.
The Briton has insisted Albon is an integral part of his ambitions with the Grove-based team and the ex-Red Bull driver has divulged he’s been involved in discussions.
“Yes, he’s definitely been open around the whole conversation,” Albon continued regarding talks over his team-mate from next season. “We’ve been speaking about it.”
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