Dakar Rally News: Alex Albon Commits to Long-Term Williams Rebuild
In a move that showcases his dedication to the long-term vision, Alex Albon has expressed his willingness to see the Williams Formula 1 team sacrifice 2025 to be in the best possible position for the 2026 regulations reset. The Thai driver, who recently extended his contract with Williams for at least two more years, has bought into the team’s ambitious plans under the leadership of new team boss James Vowles.
Albon, who will be tied to Williams through the 2026 regulations, believes that prioritizing the future over short-term success is crucial for the Grove-based squad to establish itself as a frontrunner in the sport. “If we want to be a frontrunner, there are still things we need to do to do that and they’re big changes that take time,” Albon said. “Yes, I would much rather sacrifice 2025 for 2026.”
The team is currently battling the consequences of a delayed launch car production, which has resulted in the car being much heavier than it should be. This, coupled with the need to make a decision on whether to prioritize weight reduction or aerodynamic gains under the budget cap, presents a challenge for Williams.
However, Albon remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, recognizing that the lack of regulation changes in 2025 will allow them to carry over any improvements made this year. “In terms of development, it’s still important because the regulations aren’t changing next year, so whatever you gain from this year you move on to next year,” he explained.
The Focus for Williams
The focus for Williams now is to ensure they hit their weight targets, which Albon believes will be their “biggest step forward” for the 2024 season. While the team has upgrades in the pipeline, the priority is on addressing the fundamental issues with the car’s weight rather than pursuing pure aerodynamic gains.
As the Dakar Rally community follows the team’s progress, Albon’s commitment to the long-term vision and his willingness to sacrifice the immediate future for a stronger position in 2026 demonstrates his belief in the team’s ability to rise to the top of the sport.
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