Williams Racing have today announced that Alex Albon has inked a multi-year contract extension for the 2023 Formula 1 season and beyond.
The Thai-Brit joined Williams in 2022 after spending a year on the sidelines following Red Bull Racing axing him and signing Sergio Perez as his replacement.
Albon has consistently outperformed team-mate Nicholas Latifi so far this year; the Canadian’s future at the team is unconfirmed, but it has been widely speculated that he will be dropped at the end of the year.
Announcing Albon’s new contract on Wednesday, Jost Capito, CEO and team principal of the Grove-based team, hailed the 26-year-old, describing him as a “tremendous” driver.
“Alex is a tremendous driver and valued member of Williams Racing, so we’re thrilled to be able to confirm we will be working with him on a long-term basis,” Capito said.
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“Alex brings a great blend of skill and insightful learnings that will help bring the team greater success in the future.
“He’s a fierce competitor, has proved a popular and loyal team member and we are delighted that he will provide a stable base for us to continue to develop in this new F1 car era,” he added.
Albon, meanwhile, said he is as motivated as ever and has faith that Williams will become more competitive over the coming seasons.
“It’s really exciting to be staying with Williams Racing for 2023, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve as a team in the remainder of this season and next year,” he said.
“The team is pushing hard to progress, and I am really motivated to continue this journey and further develop our learnings together.”
Albon also took to Twitter to share the news, while taking the opportunity to troll Alpine.
The French team announced Oscar Piastri as Fernando Alonso’s replacement for the 2023 season on Tuesday, but the Australian quickly disputed this on social media.
Albon posted a tweet that mimicked his, writing: “I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.
“This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year.”