Albon credits Sainz for elevating his F1 approach both on and off the track
Alex Albon says partnering with Carlos Sainz at Williams in 2025 was a comprehensive learning experience. He gained not just from Sainz's driving data but, more crucially, from the Spaniard's professional approach to meetings, car development, and practice, which helped elevate both Albon's performance and the team's overall results.
Alex Albon credits his 2025 Williams partnership with Carlos Sainz as a masterclass in Formula 1, significantly improving his driving and, more importantly, his professional approach to the sport. The Thai-British driver, who finished eighth in the championship, says Sainz’s experience and methodology have provided invaluable lessons beyond pure lap time.
Why it matters:
A driver pairing that clicks on a professional and technical level can be transformative for a team's performance. Williams' clear step forward in 2025, marked by podium finishes, was fueled by this synergy. Albon's insights reveal how a veteran teammate's influence can accelerate a driver's development in the holistic, multi-faceted world of modern F1.
The details:
Albon, who previously partnered with Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant at Williams, highlighted the distinct shift in team culture and dynamic with Sainz's arrival from Ferrari.
- A More Equal Partnership: Albon noted the team treated both drivers more equally, a change from previous years where he often received preferential treatment.
- Shared Technical Language: The two drivers frequently arrive at similar car setups and provide consistent, reinforcing feedback, creating an effective "ping-pong" of ideas for the engineers.
- On-Track Learning: Having a benchmark like Sainz forced Albon to analyze and adapt his driving style, identifying new strengths and areas for improvement in different corners.
- Off-Track Mastery: Albon emphasized that the most significant learning came from Sainz's approach to meetings, simulator work, and structuring practice programs—showcasing the value of seasoned experience in team operations.
The big picture:
Williams' revival this season demonstrates the power of a cohesive, high-caliber driver lineup. Sainz's podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar were the public highlights, but the private, daily collaboration described by Albon built the foundation for those results. This partnership proves that when two competitive drivers "speak the same language," it can propel a historic team back into consistent points contention and toward the front of the midfield.