Alex Albon reveals the Mercedes factor behind long-term Williams deal

Alex Albon admitted that Williams' ties to Mercedes played a crucial role in deciding his future in F1.

Alex Albon reveals the Mercedes factor behind long-term Williams deal

Alex Albon (L), Toto Wolff (R) (images via IMAGO)

The majority of the F1 drivers market is open for the 2025 season. Multiple drivers like Carlos Sainz, and Logan Sargeant are facing uncertainty in finalizing a team. However, amidst this, Alex Albon has already signed a multi-year contract with Williams ahead of the coming season. The Thai-British driver was reportedly considered for multiple other teams. Albon has since laid out his reasons for continuing with the Grove-based constructor.

Mercedes provides the power units to Williams in Formula 1. Hence, Mercedes’ success would imminently help Williams to score great results. Hence, despite Mercedes’ failure during the ground-effect era, Alex Albon showcased his faith in the Geman carmaker’s capabilities. Albon pointed out that Mercedes seemed to be ahead of their rivals during regulation changes. This was the reason for the Thai-British driver to extend his contract with Grove.

I think Mercedes, time and time again, when it comes to these regulation changes, they seem to be one step ahead of their rivals. Not to say I don’t think other teams will do a good job.
Alex Albon said, as reported by total-motorsport.com.
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However, choosing Williams and Mercedes was a ‘safe bet’ for Alex Albon. Additionally, Grove has already been working with Mercedes since the 2014 season. Hence, Brackley could produce a promising engine for the regulation changes of the 2026 season. Albon added that the other mid-field teams bringing in a different engine would have to spend a lot of money.

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But I think it’s at least a safe bet. When you look at maybe the other midfield teams who are bringing in a new power unit, I’m sure they’re going to put in a lot of money to hit the ground running.
Alex Albon noted.

Alex Albon aims to hit the 2026 season at a ‘top form’

Williams’ current season has been anything but ordinary after the multiple incidents since the season’s beginning. Logan Sargeant has continuously failed to produce any good results while Alex Albon is attempting his best. The team is currently in the eighth spot, tied with Alpine at just two points. Hence, the team has great hopes for better results in the coming few seasons.

Alex Albon
Alex Albon (Via IMAGO)

Alex Albon highlighted that even if Williams is in their development phase during the 2026 season, he wants to hit the year on ‘top form’. However, if the team fails to manage a great start to the new set of regulations, they at least have something. A great engine produced by Mercedes during the new regulations would go a long way for Grove in the coming seasons.

At the same time, I think I’m hoping that even in 2026 if we’re still in our building phase – obviously, I want to hit that year on top form, but if it’s not there quite yet we’ll still have a very strong power unit to go alongside us.
Alex Albon added.

Williams would look over their driver lineup for the coming season if Sargeant fails to score well. The team had a great end to the 2023 season, scoring 28 points with a lone point from the American. Hence, Grove will continue to bring in multiple in-season upgrades to build a lead over Alpine behind them.

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