Alexander Albon Ansusinha, aged 26, has just been confirmed at Williams for the upcoming season, signing a multi-year contract.
Absent from the 2021 grid after being replaced by Perez at Red Bull, Albon returned to Formula 1 in 2022 with Williams. The driver with the number 23 is the only confirmed Williams driver for 2023. Nicholas Latifi has not been confirmed yet and is facing competition from several drivers, including Logan Sargeant, who will be driving in Free Practice 1 with Williams in the United States in a few months.
With 50 races already under his belt, Albon scored two career podiums during his stint at Red Bull in 2021.
Jost Capito, the team director and owner, is delighted to have Albon in his ranks for several more seasons: He is an incredible driver and a valued team member, so we are thrilled to announce that we will continue to work together in the long term.
Alex [Albon] brings a lot of skills to the team and valuable track feedback that helps us to progress. He is a competitor and loyal to the team, so I am really happy to have a solid foundation to develop the team and the new F1 cars.
Alexander Albon mocked his announcement by parodying on Twitter the message used the day before by Oscar Piastri to deny his signing with Alpine.
I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year.
😂 let’s gooo @williamsracing 💪 pic.twitter.com/NNljcXOieE
— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) August 3, 2022
In the statement sent by Williams to the press, the Thai driver appeared more moderate but still very happy in his words: “It’s super exciting for me to stay with Williams next year and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the coming years. The team is pushing hard and I’m super motivated to continue.”
The summer truce hasn’t even started and the announcements are already piling up. After Sebastian Vettel’s retirement and his replacement by Alonso, another seat has now been confirmed for the 2023 season.
