Williams has announced that Alex Albon has penned a fresh multi-year contract extension to remain with the team through Formula 1’s regulation crossover in 2026.
Albon returned to F1 with Williams in 2022 to replace the Mercedes-bound George Russell and has since rebuilt his reputation after a challenging spell with Red Bull.
The Anglo-Thai driver thrived in his second season with Williams last term, logging all but one of the team’s 28 points as it claimed seventh place in the championship.
But the Grove-based squad has encountered a tough opening to the latest campaign with an overhauled car concept and has not scored a point in the first six rounds.
However, Albon, who retained a deal through next season, has elected to commit his future to Williams for when new chassis and engine rules are introduced in 2026.
“I am incredibly happy to be remaining with Williams Racing and to continue working with such a talented and dedicated team of people,” Albon said.
“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 take us back to the front of the grid. This is a long-term project that I really believe in and want to play a key role in which is why I have signed a multi-year contract.
“The journey will take time but I am confident we are building the right team to move forward and achieve great things in the years to come.”
Albon’s exploits last season had seen him linked with the vacant Mercedes drive, while Red Bull is reported to have requested an option on its former driver’s services.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles believes Albon’s choice to renew over heading elsewhere is a “vote of confidence” in the aspirations it boasts for the long-term.
“We are delighted to secure Alex’s long-term future with Williams Racing,” Vowles added.
“He has exceptional talent, technical input and dedication to the cause and this is a huge vote of confidence in Williams and the journey back to competitiveness that we are on.
“Since joining, Alex has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, and signing him for the long-term is a big piece of the puzzle of moving us up the grid.”
Albon’s 2025 team-mate has not been determined, with the incumbent Logan Sargeant under pressure to retain his place amid a poor start to his sophomore season.
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