Williams F1 team principal James Vowles believes Alex Albon would be a "completely different animal" if he were to compete against Max Verstappen today. Albon, who previously struggled alongside Verstappen at Red Bull, has since become a pivotal figure at Williams.
The big picture
Alex Albon was promoted to Red Bull midway through his rookie 2019 season to partner Max Verstappen. He faced significant challenges maintaining pace with the Dutchman and was eventually dropped at the end of 2020. After a year on the sidelines, he joined Williams at the start of the 2022 campaign and has since consistently delivered strong performances, scoring the majority of the team's points this year.
Why it matters
Vowles's comments highlight Albon's significant growth and maturity since his Red Bull tenure. It suggests that his previous struggles were more about adapting to immense pressure and a demanding environment rather than a lack of raw speed.
Vowles's perspective
When asked if he underestimated Albon, Vowles stated, "If you put him up against Max today, he would be a completely different animal to what was there before." Vowles clarifies that Albon's raw speed hasn't necessarily increased but his "resilience to everything, things going wrong around him, and how strong he is in that circumstance" has dramatically improved.
What's next
Albon's continued strong form at Williams has made him a highly valued asset, and his name is frequently linked with potential moves to top teams. Vowles's backing further solidifies Albon's reputation as a mature and resilient F1 driver, potentially opening more opportunities for him in the future.