Alex Albon delivered a standout performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, climbing from 15th on the grid to secure a crucial fifth place for Williams, significantly boosting their Constructors' Championship campaign.
Why it matters
This vital points haul keeps Williams in contention for fifth in the Constructors' Championship. With Aston Martin and Racing Bulls close behind, Albon's drive in Zandvoort was a lifeline for the team's ambitions, preventing a major points loss.
The race
Starting 15th on Zandvoort's tight circuit, Albon executed a brilliant opening lap. He gained five positions instantly, leveraging the Williams FW45's strong race pace.
- Albon capitalized on chaos among front-runners, staying clear of trouble.
- "Summer break happened and everyone got a little bit excited on the first race back," Albon quipped.
- He emphasized his strong pace: "There’s a little bit of luck in there but there’s also good pace and we put ourselves in a position to score P5. We weren’t one of the ones that benefitted from the Safety Car, we actually benefitted purely on race pace as well."
Looking ahead
The P5 result was critical, especially after Racing Bulls' rookie Isack Hadjar scored a surprise P3. Albon is optimistic about Monza, a historically favorable track for Williams. "Very important for us in the Constructors’ side. Let’s keep this train going." This momentum aims to propel Williams further in the championship standings.