Williams announced on Wednesday that he has signed current Red Bull reserve driver Albon for a full-time seat next year, along with Nicholas Latifi.
Mercedes F1 boss Wolff had previously said that it would be “tricky” to have a driver close to Red Bull for a Mercedes customer team, especially since Red Bull will be a power unit manufacturer from next season.
Wolff said last weekend in Zandvoort that Albon would have to be released from his Red Bull contract so that Mercedes can work with him at Williams.
Red Bull announced it had released Albon following Williams’ announcement but maintained a relationship with “future options” to work together.
In a speech in Monza on Friday, Wolff said he was not frustrated with Williams ‘decision to sign Albon and made it clear that confidentiality clauses had been built into the Anglo-Thai driver contract to protect Mercedes’ intellectual property.
“We have always respected the authority to select drivers for a team,” said Wolff.
“I was with Williams and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone to interfere in our driver decision. Likewise, we don’t have any contractual rights that we would have or could have used because, in my opinion, it is not right to interfere in the team’s driver decision.
“It was important for us that there are very strict and clear IP confidentiality clauses when a driver from another equipment manufacturer joins the team.
“That was always in line with Williams, they know exactly where we come from and what needs to be protected.”
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Photo by: Steve Etherington / Motorsport Images
Wolff added that Mercedes “absolutely” secured the desired clauses in Albon’s contract and said, “He’s basically a Williams driver for the next 12 months. He has no ties to Red Bull during this time. “
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner previously announced that Williams was Albons’ preferred team for 2022 after Alfa Romeo also piqued interest, and said there was also a “keen wish” going in the opposite direction.
“I have to say our dealings with [Williams] were very straightforward, ”said Horner.
“There were a few small obstacles on the way, but I was happy that we can achieve a good result for Alex, Williams and Red Bull.”
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Wolff was happy that Albon had secured an F1 comeback after being deposed by Red Bull’s senior team in late 2020 to make way for Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s team-mate.
“To be honest, I absolutely support Alex Albon, even if it’s none of my business,” said Wolff.
“He deserves to be in Formula 1, he’s a great guy and I’m happy for him that he’s in the car.
“He’s here, he didn’t get a place at AlphaTauri or Red Bull, but he’s with Williams now and will hopefully stay there for a long time.”
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