Ahead of the 2025 F1 Singapore GP, Alex Albon discussed how Carlos Sainz’s podium in Baku has proved a point to the Williams team. Albon suggested that Williams are the most improved team in the midfield across the 2025 season.
Albon on how Carlos Sainz’s podium motivated the Williams team
At the F1 Azerbaijan GP, Carlos Sainz finished P3 after a tough start to his season with Williams. Achieving their first podium since Russell’s default podium in 2021. Williams are now P5 in the championship, leading the midfield battle by 30 points.
During the drivers press conference ahead of the F1 Singapore GP, Alex Albon discussed what Sainz’s podium did for the team in terms of culture and motivation.
“Truthfully, the whole attitude this year has shifted. I don’t feel like the podium has necessarily invigorated the team more. Because I can tell you at Grove everyone is super motivated.”
“The culture and the energy is addictive, and you don’t really feel like there’s much more that the podium gave, more than, if anything, proving a point. It’s almost a bit of a taste, I hope, for the future of the team and for us. It’s a sign of things to come. Maybe it came a little earlier than we thought it would, but it shows that we’re working in the right direction.”
Albon: “I think we are the most improved midfield team by far.”
During the 2025 F1 season, Williams have enjoyed a resurgence, securing multiple points finishes, a podium and four 5th place results, courtesy of Alex Albon.
Albon claimed P5 at the opening round of the 2025 F1 season in Australia. He originally finished P4, however Antonelli’s penalty was rescinded, dropping Albon down to P5.
The Thai driver has reflected on the teams progress, discussing whether Sainz’s podium at the Azerbaijan GP was proof that the FW47 possesses strong race pace.
“I would say it was coming at some point. I don’t think the race itself proved that we could do it. We’ve had a few P5’s already this year. If anything, it’s more just a validation – to Grove and to everyone that we’re on the up.”
“I think we’re the most improved midfield team by far, I would say. It feels like every year we’ve made a big step and this year is clearly the bigger on in all the four years I’ve been in the team.”
“Maybe it’s naive but I’ve always been confident in the team and the journey that we’re on. I always knew there was going to be a podium coming soon. We’ll keep trying to make I more consistent and have more opportunities to do it. I always thought it was going to be a thing.”
Albon on the shift in team culture throughout his four years at Williams
Alex Albon joined Williams in 2022 after a tough ride in his early years in Formula 1. Albon started his rookie season in 2019 with Toro Rosso and was promoted to the senior team, Red Bull. Albon however was dropped in 2020 and kept as a reserve driver.
During Albons first season with Williams in 2022, the team finished last in the championship. Williams team principal James Vowles has managed to shape the team into a group that has a “hunger to move and be a top team.”
Ahead of the Singapore GP, Alex Albon disucssed the changes he’s seen in Williams’ team culture throughout the years.
“Culture, in terms of belief and confidence. When I first joined the team there was an element of just being low down. I think they kind of expected “this is the way, and this is where we belong.” There’s been a huge shift in terms of open-mindedness, willingness to experiment in general, and this hunger to move and be a top team.”
“That’s very much down to James and the key individuals within the team who’ve moved that dial. It’s not an easy thing to do and it shouldn’t go unnoticed just how different the atmosphere is in the team from day one when I joined to now.”
