Alex Albon will return to Formula 1 in 2022 after signing with Williams.
Williams needed a driver for next season after current driver George Russell signed a deal with Mercedes-Benz AMG earlier this week. Russell will replace Valtteri Bottas, who is moving to Alfa Romeo to fill retired Kimi Räikkönen’s seat.
Albon, who works with current Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, began his F1 career in 2019 with the Red Bull Racing feeder team Toro Rosso (currently AlphaTauri). He was promoted to Red Bull in 2020 but, despite showing some early promises, including two podiums, was eventually replaced by Sergio Perez for 2021.
Albon stayed with Red Bull in 2021, served as a substitute driver and drove in the team’s DTM newcomer. There he recently celebrated his first victory in a race at the Nürburgring.
The move to Williams was made possible because Red Bull released Albon’s contract.
“When you take a year out of Formula 1 it is never certain that you will return so I am very grateful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my way back to the grid,” said Albon in a statement.
Williams is currently third from bottom in the Constructors’ Championship, but there is renewed hope that the team will do better next season as F1 ushers in a new era in car design. Williams is also under new management, with successful motorsport manager Jost Capito serving as CEO and the Williams family no longer directly involved.
The post Alex Albon will return to Formula 1 with Williams in 2022 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
