Alex Albon has admitted that his spectacular performances within the first half of the 2025 F1 season have “stunned” folks within the paddock.
Heading into the brand new marketing campaign, many anticipated Carlos Sainz to get the higher of Albon.
Sainz was coming into Williams on the again of arguably his strongest season at Ferrari.
There have been nonetheless lingering query marks over Albon’s stage of efficiency since leaving Pink Bull.
Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant proved to be no risk to Albon.
Franco Colapinto put Albon underneath fast strain when he was drafted in for the ultimate section of final season.
Since Sainz’s arrival, Albon has responded by being the clear standout performer at Williams.
Talking on the Past the Grid podcast, Albon highlighted the positives of getting a teammate of Sainz’s calibre.
Sure, I do [think perceptions have changed],” he mentioned. “It was straightforward to dismiss me for my teammates. That was a straightforward scapegoat to say, ‘Effectively, he’s doing nicely, however we don’t know quantify him as a driver’.
“When James [Vowles, team principal] spoke to me early on about Carlos becoming a member of, I used to be in two optimistic mindsets. The primary one was, he’s going to be an enormous asset to the workforce with all his expertise and him being a fast driver.
“The second was, I really feel like he’s a reputable reference that I can go into. I genuinely wish to see how I stack up towards a driver like Carlos.
“I used to be assured in who I used to be, however I feel I possibly have stunned among the paddock. I don’t suppose the folks that know have been stunned – this sounds a bit boastful – however internally in Williams, or those I’ve pushed for prior to now.”
Albon explains Sainz’s difficulties
Sainz has spoken overtly in regards to the adaptation course of and the way you need to change your driving type when driving a Williams as an alternative of a Ferrari.
Albon conceded that his expertise at Williams since 2022 provides him a bonus in understanding drive round sure limitations.
“We all know one another’s types fairly nicely,” Albon added. “The primary distinction we’ve had is that I’ve a driving type the place I drive round among the automotive limitations. I feel that’s come from loads of years of driving the Williams automotive and accepting it.
“I feel Carlos is extra, ‘I wish to drive like this, and also you guys have gotten to provide me this’. However in the identical context, we’re nonetheless speaking about the identical issues. I’d say that’s the nuance between us.”
