Albon hosted alternative team options before Williams extension

Alex Albon has admitted he was in discussions with multiple Formula 1 teams before committing his future to Williams.

Earlier this week, the Grove-based squad announced it had secured Albon on a new multi-year contract.

The deal will see Albon race into the sport's new era under fresh technical regulations in 2026 with Williams.

Prior to the extension, Albon's name was linked with moves to teams such as Red Bull and Mercedes, despite already having a contract in place with Williams for 2025.

However, Albon explained he opted to stay put in an environment he feels comfortable in.

“I won't say what teams  I was speaking to but there were a few,” Albon told media including RacingNews365. 

“Inevitably it really just fell down to what team I think suited me best, and that was Williams.

“Looking at everything, there was obviously a lot of time to make that choice. It does seem a little bit now it's all just a bit of a waiting game, and everyone is just delaying and delaying.

“So on my side, it was just about getting it done, getting it signed, focusing more on building the story and focusing on the future for the team.”

'I believe in the project'

Albon joined Williams in 2022 after a year on the sidelines as a Red Bull reserve, with his best result in that time being a seventh-place finish.

The Thai driver has asserted he has faith in the project, which is being led by James Vowles in his second year in the team principal role.

When asked why he feels Williams is the right team for him, Albon said: “Firstly, it's a team that I've been with.

“I know the team, I know that the people in the team, I believe in the project, I believe in James and the board.

“The ceiling at Williams is higher than what we're showing at the moment. 

“When I look at what the team should be able to achieve in the next few years, it should be higher than the teams we’re racing right now.”