Albon relishing ‘challenge’ of Sainz joining Williams

Alex Albon is relishing the challenge of going up against Carlos Sainz at Williams next season, with the Thai driver also excited about what the experienced Spaniard can bring to the team.

Sainz's move to the Grove outfit for 2025 was confirmed at the start of the summer break, having lost his Ferrari seat when it was announced Lewis Hamilton would be moving to the Scuderia next year, but it's a move that will also change the driver dynamic at Williams.

Having already competed alongside Max Verstappen in his Red Bull days, Albon knows what it takes to go up against a top driver and has welcomed the added competition Sainz will bring when he swaps his scarlet colours for blue.

“Honestly, for myself it’s just great to have a driver that people respect and people value,” Albon said. “I love to go up against top drivers and I feel like we’ll have a great partnership.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 22: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari looks on in the paddock — Albon is looking forward to working with Sainz, who will bring considerable knowledge from his time at Ferrari

“I think we’re going to learn from each other, and also Carlos’ experience will help bring the team up. I’ve been at Williams for a few years now, so to have that different point of view about things can only help us. In terms of the team, I think it will be a big challenge as well.

“We need to be able to provide two cars now that are equal in performance, so it’s a big job for both.”

Albon joked that most of his previous conversations with Sainz have revolved around “appendicitis,” but continued to explain just what the Spaniard will bring to Williams for next year.

“I think Carlos has a very high value within the paddock,” the 28-year-old added. “I think his performances have been great this year especially, and he’s a thinker. He brings a lot of experience.

“I think he’s very detail-oriented and a team like Williams will welcome that always, so it’s great to have him in. I think what he will bring from Ferrari is going to be very valuable to us in terms of our progression as a midfield team.”

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 21: Alexander Albon of Thailand and Williams waves to the crowd on the — Albon will be going up against a top driver in the same car for the first time since 2020, when he raced alongside Verstappen

Williams have made clear their ambitions to climb back up the order, in the style that McLaren have managed across the last decade, and in Albon and Sainz they will be trying to do so with one of the strongest driver pairings on the grid.

“That’s probably what differentiates us to other midfield teams, the fact that our future looks brighter,” Albon continued. “James [Vowles] has been very clear about the steps we’ve taken. Some have put us on the back foot, only to put us hopefully on the front foot later into the next couple of years.

“Carlos believes in that project just like I did. There’s a reason why he did it, which was the same reason I did it. We believe in the journey. Things are looking on the up.”