Albon shocked by sudden 'change of team'

Alex Albon believes Williams' alterations to its car philosophy make it feel like he has "changed team" over the winter.

The Grove-based outfit finished seventh in last season's Constructors' standings after several strong performances from the Thai-Briton, whose stock within the F1 paddock rose as a result.

With Williams hoping to return to success soon following a tough period at the back of the grid, Team Principal James Vowles has overseen a radical change to bring the team into play at a higher number of circuits across the calendar, rather than being forced to rely on high-speed, low downforce configurations.

Asked what was different on the new car during pre-season testing after referring to the changes, Albon said: "Well, kinematically, so the way the front of the car feels is totally different. It's all totally new, totally redesigned, so the feedback you get in your hands is totally different.

"We have a Mercedes rear on the car now, so that's very different. We have a totally different balance set-up philosophy, so there are loads of things going on and it all feels like it is going in the right direction.

"But it is strange. I have spent two years now developing and driving a car that has certain characteristics, unique characteristics.

"Now that kind of all goes in the bin."

'Cars carry a DNA'

Outlining just how different the car is, Albon added: "Most cars carry a characteristic every year.

"Yes, regulations can change it and whatnot, cars can have more downforce or little subtleties, but they always carry a DNA, a very strong DNA and you only really feel like that changes when you change team.

"This feels like I've changed team, but I'm obviously still at Williams."