Williams admit Alex Albon is the “backbone of success” amidst potential Mercedes interest

Alex Albon could be an ideal candidate for Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

Williams admit Alex Albon is the “backbone of success” amidst potential Mercedes interest

James Vowles [L] Alex Albon [R] (images via IMAGO)

The Formula 1 grid could witness a massive overhaul in the coming months. Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari move has shocked the entire paddock. Subsequently, this could lead to a drastic change in the driver lineups of multiple teams including Williams. As Alex Albon might be one of the hottest names in the silly season. Now, Team Principal James Vowles has praised the British-Thai driver for his contribution to the Grove-based outfit.

Williams managed to make decent progress in the 2023 F1 season. The British squad jumped up the standings from last in 2022 to seventh last season. Vowles credited this success to Alex Albon’s brilliant performances. The 27-year-old scored 27 of the 28 points in the tally of the Grove-based team. It is thus no surprise that the Williams team boss labeled Albon as the ‘backbone’ of the team.

I’m pleased, incredibly pleased he’s [Alex Albon] here, and obviously he’s become the backbone of why we’ve had success [in 2023].

James Vowles told Speedcafe
YouTube video

Vowles’ comments come at a time when Alex Albon might be looking to leave the team. The 27-year-old’s current contract ends at the end of this year. Lewis Hamilton‘s shock departure from Mercedes might open the perfect opportunity for the British-Thai driver to race for a top team. So much so, that Albon reportedly spread rumors of a Red Bull deal to get Mercedes’ attention.

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Could Alex Albon be the perfect Lewis Hamilton replacement?

Alex Albon’s F1 career has been a rollercoaster. the 27-year-old was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull mid-way through his rookie season in 2019 to partner Max Verstappen. However, the British-Thai driver struggled to match the Dutch driver during his stay at Milton Keynes and was shifted to a reserve role for 2021.

Alex Albon
Alex Albon (Via IMAGO)

The 27-year-old was signed by Williams for the 2022 season. Albon has managed to deliver some incredible results for the Grove-based team in the past two seasons. Subsequently, the former Red Bull driver could be an ideal candidate for Mercedes. Moreover, the British-Thai driver shares a great relationship with George Russell which could ensure that there are no massive conflicts between the two.

Certainly, Mercedes would be a great opportunity for Alex Albon. The 27-year-old has the desire to win the F1 world title one day and the Silver Arrows could be the right place to be. However, it remains to be seen if Albon does get the call-up from Brackley to replace Lewis Hamilton in the coming months.

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