Albon eager to see where Sainz 'head is at' after Ferrari switch

Alexander Albon is relishing the opportunity to see where Carlos Sainz's "head is at" when the 2025 F1 season gets underway, their first as team-mates at Williams.

The Spanish driver has joined the Grove-based squad from Ferrari and Albon is wanting to pick the 30-year-old's brains in order to improve how the team operates and, crucially, its car.

Having already spent three seasons at the nine-time F1 constructors' champions, the Thai driver hopes Sainz will help his and team principal James Vowles' mission to restore Williams to its former glory - or at least back to competitiveness.

"I'll be very keen to hear his feedback on the car... see where his head’s at compared to Ferrari," Albon told media including RacingNews365.

"Coming into Williams, where are our strengths, [and] where are our weaknesses?

"I think that's honestly one of the things that I'm looking forward to most with Carlos joining."

Albon, who has seldom been matched by those alongside him at Williams, is looking forward to the "good challenge" of having an accomplished F1 driver - and four-time grand prix winner - in the garage next to him.

When discussing the advantages of bringing the former Ferrari driver into the fold, Albon reflected on his own transition to the team from the sharp end of F1.

"I remember my time at Red Bull and when I came to Williams," he said. "Obviously there's a lot of things on your mind, things you want to try to improve for the team.

"At the same time, I've spent now three years at Williams, and it's nice to almost have someone a little bit fresher than me.

"Coming from a team like Ferrari, I'm sure he'll bring a lot to the table. And of course, I know he will push me. He had a very strong year [last] year. But it will be a good challenge."