Albon: By 2026 we will have great powertrains

The Monaco Grand Prix was the first stage of the season in which the Williams team earned points this year – thanks to Alex Albon, who took 9th place there. This became possible again because Alex reached the qualifying final for the first time this season.

Just a few weeks ago, Albon signed a new multi-year contract with Williams because he says he believes in both the team and James Vowles, its boss, who wants to gradually take it to the next level. But there is another important factor that influenced his decision.

“I think James said it well when he said that if you try to plan for the long term and make fundamental reforms, it all takes time,” Alex said in an interview with Total Motorsport. “Our next major goal is to earn points regularly, and I think that will be achieved next year.

Realistically, fighting for podiums and winning is still a long way off unless a race goes according to a crazy scenario, so I don’t expect any major changes in the near future.”

Albon’s decision was also influenced by the fact that Williams will continue to use Mercedes power plants even after Formula 1 switches to next-generation engines, which will happen in 2026.

“Of course this was an important factor,” he confirmed. – I believe that every time such changes in the regulations took place, Mercedes drivers were one step ahead of their rivals, although I don’t think at all that other teams would do worse. But I still think it’s safest to bet on this factor.

If you look at any other mid-pack team getting new power units (Alex talks about Sauber/Audi), I have no doubt they will have to invest a lot of money to reach a competitive level.

But even if we are still in the reform phase in 2026 – although of course I would like to be in top shape by then – but even if this does not happen, at least we will have very efficient power plants.”