Offering a strong endorsement of the Thai driver who played a pivotal role in helping Williams secure seventh place in the constructors’ championship last season, James Vowles has provided insights into the notable changes he observed in Alexander Albon throughout the 2023 season. Vowles highlighted Albon’s approach to the job, particularly when dealing with a car that exhibited inconsistent performance across various tracks, as a testament to the exceptional qualities that Vowles believes will become even more prominent in the future.
In an interview with Motorsport.com focused on Albon, Vowles expressed his enthusiasm about rekindling the relationship with Albon at Williams, citing their eight-year history. He emphasized Albon’s speed and the importance of his mindset, stating that the latter is crucial for any driver aiming to maximize their performance.
Reflecting on Albon’s evolution over the season, Vowles noted a significant maturation compared to the initial encounter in Bahrain. He praised Albon’s ability to extract the maximum potential from the car, attributing their seventh-place finish to his remarkable driving skills.
Vowles acknowledged the challenging nature of the competition, with Albon often finding himself pursued by several competitors throughout races. Despite the pressure, Vowles commended Albon’s impressive performances and credited the team’s efforts in optimizing the car’s performance.
Albon’s return to Formula 1 with Williams in 2022 marked a career resurgence after being a part of Red Bull’s young driver program and racing for its main team for one and a half seasons before assuming a test and reserve driver role. Vowles believes that Albon’s best is yet to come, expressing confidence that the driver’s growth and approach to the job offer ample room for further improvement.
Highlighting Albon’s continuous development and maturity, Vowles also praised the absence of politics in Albon’s approach. According to Vowles, Albon’s straightforward focus on driving fast without being entangled in political intricacies contributes to the success of their partnership.
Vowles lauded Albon’s exceptional contributions to Williams’ performance in the 2023 season, emphasizing the driver’s speed, mindset, and continuous growth as key factors that bode well for the future.
