Underdogs and Understeer: How Alex Albon Is Turning the Tide in 2025
With the Japanese Grand Prix wrapped up in a “WhiteBull” colored bow, it’s easy for Formula One fans and experts to begin noticing patterns within teams and their drivers. Some have already conceded their loss to a Dutchman and the boys in papaya, while others have seen the stellar performances of the rookie class. However, most fans have already begun analyzing the performances between the eight new driver pairings on the grid. There is one driver performance, though, that stands out from the crowd. A criminally underrated pilot whose journey to his seat was met with high highs and low lows, who is finally beating out one of the most seasoned drivers in the series. This, of course, is Williams’ Alex Albon. Here, we’ll answer the question: “Is it time for the 'fraud watch' to shift from Albon to new teammate Carlos Sainz?”
Albon began his journey to F1 in 2005 when he started karting on British circuits at the age of eight. From there, he gained traction as a name to watch as he moved through the lower formulas. Even current gridmates like George Russell and Lando Norris have noted how revered Albon was in their karting days. Albon was signed to the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012 when he raced his first season in Formula Renault but was dropped at the end of the season. This relationship would be rebuilt later on, as in 2019, Albon signed with Scuderia Toro Rosso, now known as Visa Cashapp Racing Bulls, to partner Daniil Kvyat for the season. Albon drove for Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen for two seasons but was dropped ahead of the 2021 season due to lack of performance and was replaced by Sergio Perez. He was demoted to reserve driver for all of 2021.
Thanks to Russell, a longtime friend, Albon was able to rejoin F1 with the historic Williams team after Russell’s move to Mercedes. His performances were nothing to write home about, but he consistently did better than teammate Nicholas Latifi. The 2024 season was disastrous for Williams, finishing ninth in the Constructors’ Championship. However, Albon showed brief glints of light throughout the season and scored 70% of the team’s points that year. Carlos Sainz’s long-awaited contract announcement reignited a flame for the British team, which was putting up better performances by the end of 2024. However, nobody could have guessed that the driver who would benefit from Williams’ new spark wouldn’t be their shiny new toy but their loyal team leader.
In the first three races, Sainz has yet to outqualify or outplace Albon. The Spaniard’s only point of the season was due to the double-disqualification of his former team, Ferrari, in China. In the Japanese Grand Prix, Albon was, on average, .577 seconds faster than Sainz for the whole race. A gap in race pace that large is nothing to ignore. Sainz still has time to get accustomed to the FW47, but if he does not improve, will Williams’ faith waiver?
In his six seasons as an F1 driver, Albon has experienced some of the biggest swings in luck and career trajectory. He believed his career would be nothing more than three disappointing seasons sitting at the right hand of the best driver of his generation, but it seems the Thai has turned over a new leaf in 2025. Alex Albon has been severely underrated for his performances and admirable mindset, having the drive to win while having fun every day he is in the sport. Perhaps F1 fans, and maybe Williams themselves, will be waking up to this reality this season.
