Alex Albon, the driver for the Williams Formula 1 team, expressed that his team would have eagerly embraced a seventh-place standing in the rankings prior to the commencement of the 2023 season. The Williams team appeared poised for another challenging year as newly appointed team principal James Vowles initiated an extensive overhaul of the long-standing underdog.
While this restructuring process is projected to span several years, Williams is currently battling with its FW45, which lacks aerodynamic load in comparison to its rivals.
Nonetheless, akin to its predecessor, the 2023 car’s low-drag attributes have also presented the team with opportunities to secure substantial points on circuits that prioritize lower downforce settings.
More notably than the previous year, when Albon only managed to accumulate four points throughout the entire season, the Anglo-Thai driver has effectively capitalized on his car’s strengths.
After securing a single point in the opening race in Bahrain, Albon secured six points for finishing seventh in Canada, and subsequently added another four points in Silverstone.
With his rookie teammate Logan Sargeant yet to accumulate any points, Albon has single-handedly elevated Williams to a joint seventh position alongside Haas, amassing a total of 11 points—three points more than Grove managed in the entirety of the previous season.
Albon admitted that 2023 has exceeded his expectations. He commented, “Honestly, I must say that this year has proven quite successful for us so far.”
“I don’t want to overstate it, but considering our performance in Bahrain and our current standing, we have undoubtedly made substantial progress.”
“Perhaps not at the level of the McLarens, but from our perspective, we are undeniably moving in the right direction.”
“We currently occupy seventh place in the constructors’ championship, tied with another team. If someone had informed me or any member of the team at the start of the year, we would have been incredibly pleased, so things are progressing well.”
“Of course, we simply need to maintain our focus and continue to push forward. However, I am confident that as a team, we can utilize the summer break to recharge and return with renewed energy.”
Williams introduced significant upgrades for the Canadian Grand Prix in June, including a new floor and sidepod design.
This has enabled the team to display slightly more competitiveness on tracks that typically do not suit their car’s characteristics. Albon secured an unexpected 11th place at the challenging Hungaroring, benefiting from a daring undercut strategy.
Albon noted that possessing a car with a higher likelihood of contending for points during each race weekend, rather than excelling solely on circuits that emphasize lower downforce configurations, has infused the team with heightened confidence.
“It’s truly fantastic to approach each race weekend with the prospect of competing for points. Being in a position where you anticipate this consistently definitely boosts the confidence and motivation of everyone in the team,” he elaborated.
“Hence, I would assert that we are relishing these moments and optimistically aiming to continue accumulating points.”
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