Williams driver Alex Albon has opened up about his future – here’s everything you need to know if he will replace Sergio Perez.
Alex Albon has emerged as one of the standout performers in the world of Formula One 2023. His impressive performances have positioned him as a significant player in the future driver markets, with potential opportunities to join a top-tier team once again.
After being released by Red Bull at the end of 2020, Albon made a successful comeback with Williams last year and has been making notable progress. He secured points in races held in Bahrain, Canada, and Great Britain this season, despite driving for a team that is not considered one of the front-runners.
The level of speculation on social media often serves as a gauge for a driver’s performance in Formula One, and Albon has been a subject of numerous rumors this year. One particularly absurd suggestion was that he declined the chance to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull earlier in the season, which Albon himself has confirmed to be entirely untrue.
Albon made a significant decision last year by signing a contract extension with Williams, securing his position until at least 2024. His remarkable resurgence in the racing world has captured the attention of those in the paddock. When asked about impressing other teams, Albon emphasized that as a driver, performance is paramount. He believes in giving his best on the track to establish a solid foundation for himself. Currently, his focus lies with Williams, and he eagerly anticipates their progress in the coming years, hoping to compete for podium positions.
While Albon remains dedicated to the goal of restoring Williams as a top-tier F1 team, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the time it may take to achieve this. In the midst of this, drivers like him are contemplating their next career moves.
Notably, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have existing contracts with Ferrari and McLaren, respectively, with Leclerc’s contract set until the end of 2024 and Norris’s until the end of 2025. Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull is set to expire in 2024. There is a palpable feeling in the paddock that if a prominent driver were to switch teams, it could spark a flurry of activity in the driver market for the future.
Where does Alex Albon stand ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP?
Alex Albon is currently placed 13th in the drivers’ leaderboard, having accumulated eleven points so far. Verstappen leads the standings with an impressive 281 points, while his teammate Sergio Perez holds the second position with 171 points. Behind them, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso occupies the third spot with 139 points, ahead of Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Carlos Sainz.
Meanwhile, Albon’s team Williams occupy 7th spot in the constructors’ championship. Red Bull, the reigning champions, have established a substantial lead, amassing an impressive 452 points as we approach the summer break. Mercedes trails far behind in second place, having secured 223 points. Aston Martin holds the third position on the leaderboard with 184 points while Ferrari are close in fourth spot with 167 points.
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