Albon thinks he can take advantage of new regulations
F1 News
- GPblog.com
After a year's absence, Alexander Albon returns to the grid this season. After two seasons at Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing, he had to make way for Sergio Perez in 2021. It meant a season on the sidelines as a test and reserve driver at Red Bull. Next season he gets to work at Williams.
Albon happy to drive Grands Prix again
In 2019, Albon debuted at Toro Rosso, but was brought to Red Bull Racing in the summer break as a replacement for the disappointing Pierre Gasly. Albon also failed to convince alongside Max Verstappen and so he too had to make way. The Thai driver was allowed to stay at Red Bull and started working as a test and reserve driver.
The fact that the 25-year-old driver can return to work at Williams as a full-fledged Formula One driver is something he is only too happy about. "It feels fantastic to drive Grands Prix again. I feel like I have been away for half an eternity," he told Speedweek.com. Albon says he already feels at home at Williams and that there is mutual trust.
Albon benefits from new regulations
Because he spent a year on the sidelines, Albon does think he might be a bit rusty at the start, but the fact that he is returning just this season is also an advantage. "These cars are new to everyone, " he points to the major changes in the regulations that have been in place since this season.
Last season, Williams did not finish last in the championship for the first time in four years. Albon hopes the team can continue that streak. The team wants to be as competitive at the start of the season as it was at the end of 2021 and then move further forward into the middle of the pack. "I expect some teams to take a shot at the new regulations and others might have a harder time," he said.