Alex Albon expresses 'so much confidence' in Williams' ability to deliver a great 2026 F1 car
Alex Albon is confident Williams can build a strong car for F1's 2026 rule changes, citing the team's cultural transformation and improved performance in 2025. After securing fifth in the constructors' championship, Albon believes the foundations are now in place to close the gap to the top teams.
Williams driver Alex Albon believes his team is in its strongest position in years to tackle the 2026 regulation changes, citing a transformed culture and newfound confidence after a successful 2025 campaign that secured fifth in the constructors' championship.
Why it matters:
Williams' resurgence from a troubled 2024 to a comfortable fifth place in 2025 represents a crucial step in its long-term recovery plan. Albon's confidence signals that the team's internal transformation, led by James Vowles, is translating into tangible on-track performance and a belief that it can close the gap to the sport's top four teams.
The details:
- The team scored 137 points in 2025, its best result in a decade, driven by the effective pairing of Albon and new teammate Carlos Sainz, who secured two podiums.
- Albon contrasts the current environment with the "setbacks" of 2024, which featured a late, overweight car and operational errors, highlighting a much healthier foundation within the team.
- A positive culture and strong optimism are now hallmarks of the Grove-based squad, providing a stable platform for future development.
- Albon draws a direct comparison to the team's state during the last major regulation shift in 2022, stating the organization is now far better equipped to handle the challenge.
The big picture:
Despite the progress, Albon is realistic about the scale of the task ahead. He notes that the performance gap from fifth place to the front-running teams of Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari remains significantly larger than the gaps within the midfield itself. This acknowledgment underscores that while Williams has solidified itself as the leader of the midfield pack, the final leap to consistent podium contention is the next, and most difficult, hurdle.
What's next:
All focus at Williams is now on the 2026 season and the new technical regulations. Albon's expressed confidence is rooted in the belief that the team's improved structure and culture will allow it to develop a competitive car from the outset and adapt quickly if needed. The success of Project 2026 will be the ultimate test of whether Williams' revival can evolve into a genuine challenge for regular top-three finishes.