Even after his difficult year at Red Bull, Alexander Albon always believed he belonged in Formula 1 – 2023 was his “best year “
Alexander Albon is one of the drivers who caused a stir in 2023. The Thai showed strong performances in the Williams and repeatedly drove into surprising positions. With his points, he practically single-handedly helped Williams finish seventh last season
He had his team-mate Logan Sargeant absolutely under control: he won the qualifying duel 22:0 without defeat. However, Albon was also involved in the last qualifying duel with a clean sheet – on the other side. In 2020, he lost every single duel against Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen and thus his Formula 1 cockpit.
Nevertheless, he says that he never had the feeling that he didn’t belong in Formula 1. However, he now enjoys a different standing because he can celebrate success with Williams. “I understand why that happens”,
His first year in 2019 was “very good”, but the promotion to Red Bull in the middle of the season was “a little too quick in some ways” for the hapless Pierre Gasly. As a result, he was “inexperienced and vulnerable” in 2020, he says.
Albon lost his place in Formula 1 and was temporarily placed in the DTM. “But I never had the feeling that I didn’t belong in Formula 1,” he emphasizes and got his second chance at Williams in 2022, where he clearly feels at home.
“I feel that as my confidence and experience grows, I’ll be able to really showcase myself,” he says.
I can’t do it without the right car
He finds it a little “strange” that he was able to write so many positive headlines in 2023, but he understands it.
He compares it to McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who were both highly praised for their seasons. “But if they hadn’t had that mid-season upgrade, I’m not sure they would be talked about as much,” says Albon.
“It’s the same for us, just on a smaller scale. Last year I had fantastic races in P16, but nobody talked about it because it was only P16 and in the middle of nowhere,” he says. But good races in 2023 saw him finish in the top 10 and get noticed. “So the market value goes up.”
“But that’s Formula 1, you have to be there at the right time. “
Comfort more important than speed
When asked why Albon was able to deliver top performances and find more consistency in the 2023 season, the 27-year-old explained that comfort and experience made a bigger difference than pure speed.
“I think in some ways it’s a given because I’ve got more laps under my belt, another year with the team,” he replies.
“I don’t think the pure speed has changed massively, but I’ve been able to set the car up so that it suits me and I can take advantage of it. And I have the feeling that I feel comfortable with the car every weekend.”
“I know what the car needs to be fast. It just feels like everything fits together more easily. And that’s why it’s easier to race and not make mistakes. I think it’s been my best year. “
