Williams Racing confirms Latifi & Albon for 2022


By Williams Racing
September 8 2021

Williams Racing has announced that Nicholas Latifi and Alex Albon will form its driver line-up for the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship. Nicholas remains at the team for a fourth consecutive season, his third as race driver, whilst Alex returns to the Formula One grid having spent a year as Red Bull Racing Honda’s Test & Reserve Driver and a race-winning campaign in the DTM. The 25-year-old previously drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso in F1 before being promoted to a race seat with Red Bull Racing, scoring two podiums in 2020.

 
 Williams Racing confirms Latifi & Albon for 2022
 
Albon
 

Williams Racing is delighted to announce that Nicholas Latifi and Alex Albon will form its driver line-up for the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Nicholas remains at the team for a fourth consecutive season, his third as race driver, whilst Alex returns to the Formula One grid having spent a year as Red Bull Racing Honda’s Test & Reserve Driver and a race-winning campaign in the DTM. The 25-year-old previously drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso in F1 before being promoted to a race seat with Red Bull Racing, scoring two podiums in 2020.

Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, added: “It is fantastic to be able to confirm our driver line-up for 2022 and I am delighted to be welcoming Alex to the team, along with confirming our continued relationship with Nicholas into next year. We are extremely excited by our new line-up, with both drivers bringing a great blend of youth and experience that will not only be a great fit for the team but also help us take the next step in our journey.

“Alex is one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport, yet comes with a large amount of F1 experience from his time at Red Bull. His multiple podium finishes highlight his speed as a driver, and we know he will immediately feel at home with the team at Grove. Nicholas meanwhile has consistently impressed us over the past three years with his hard work, diligence, and positive attitude. He has continued to develop throughout his time at Williams and has grown into an impressive F1 driver, as seen by his points scoring finishes this season.

“We are now looking forward to continuing to build on our positive momentum as a team and finishing this season as strongly as possible, before turning our attentions to 2022.”

Nicholas said: “I’m excited to be continuing with Williams for another year; partly because of F1's new technical regulations, but also because the team is moving in a more competitive direction with new owners, management and people on the technical side.

“I’ve felt at home here since the day I arrived, and I think I’m in the right place to continue with my positive trajectory. The aim is to continue making little improvements so we can all take advantage of the opportunity we have next year.

“I’m super excited to work with next year’s car and it’s like a fresh start for everybody. I feel privileged to be part of that change.”

Alex commented: “I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022. When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid. It’s also been great to see all the progress Williams have been making as a team this year and I look forward to helping them continue that journey in 2022. My focus now returns to my Test & Reserve Driver role at Red Bull and helping the team fight for this year’s world championship.”

With a stellar record in the junior categories, including multiple race wins in the GP3 Series and the FIA Formula Two Championship, Alex is one of the most highly rated young talents in motorsport. The Thai-British racer also knows his new team-mate well having previously raced alongside the Canadian at DAMS during his 2018 Formula Two campaign.

Nicholas meanwhile has continued to impress in his first three seasons with Williams, contributing to the team’s improved performance with his detailed feedback and motivated approach. The 26-year-old scored his first points in this year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, before adding to his tally at the Belgian Grand Prix.

 
Albon
 
Latifi
 

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Williams Racing confirms Latifi & Albon for 2022
Discussion started by Williams F1 , 08/09/2021 13:14
Williams F1
08/09/2021 13:14
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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GroveF1
08/09/2021 13:20
Shame about latifi but happy about Albon driver to give us that knowledge and experience

redline
08/09/2021 15:10
thumbs down



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:07:11:06:16:17 by redline.

j-s
08/09/2021 17:39
I'm relieved it's Albon, actually. Might've been my top choice from the ones that were available.

Welcome.

Matt Brown
09/09/2021 10:30
I should not even post in this thread I am so angry about this (Sm95)

Anderis
09/09/2021 11:26
Quote:
Matt Brown
I should not even post in this thread I am so angry about this (Sm95)
Why would you be so angry about this?

Matt Brown
09/09/2021 12:46
Quote:
Anderis
Quote:
Matt Brown
I should not even post in this thread I am so angry about this (Sm95)
Why would you be so angry about this?

Because I am just not a latifi or a Albon fan....(Sm17)

Stu69
09/09/2021 12:52
The interesting thing with Albon is the fact he isn’t Merc. I can see a VW group badged Redbull / Honda motor in the back of the Williams in 23.

Williams VW?
Williams Audi?
Williams Seat?
Williams Porsche?

MViper
09/09/2021 13:42
Quote:
Stu69
The interesting thing with Albon is the fact he isn’t Merc. I can see a VW group badged Redbull / Honda motor in the back of the Williams in 23.
Williams VW?
Williams Audi?
Williams Seat?
Williams Porsche?

Williams Skoda grinning smiley
Or Williams Skodillac grinning smiley


Williams Racing

Anderis
09/09/2021 14:16
Quote:
Matt Brown
Quote:
Anderis
Quote:
Matt Brown
I should not even post in this thread I am so angry about this (Sm95)
Why would you be so angry about this?

Because I am just not a latifi or a Albon fan....(Sm17)
Neither am I but I'm not filled with anger somehow?

j-s
09/09/2021 16:40
The triangulation between Williams - Mercedes - RBR is quite fascinating. Team is being obtusely tight lipped about it, which is revealing by itself. And knowing how Mercedes and RBR have little sympathy for each other, and compete very intensely on and off-track, we just might see Williams become part of the political news for a few weeks.

And if there is a VW angle to this, and it runs through Williams and Capito, then just wow. That'd be a very fun story to follow. I hope there is some substance to it.

Stu69
09/09/2021 19:00
If you were a large automotive company would you do what Honda did and be a joke for several years damaging your brand before coming good in the year you give up on F1 OR fund an investment house to buy a F1 team then fund the F1 team to become successful without anyone knowing then jump in with your own brand when you know you can compete against your business enemy Mercedes. Pretty clear to me. VW fund Doriton!

Mr Brooksy
09/09/2021 22:50
Even mad Max is saying that he's happy to see Albon make a come back with Williams. He also stated that there was never any doubt about Alex's speed.

With his, Horner's and George's positive endorsements, it makes sense that Jost sat up and took strong notice of Alex. Really hope that we see the turn of good speed and performances he showed at Torro Rosso and the half year at Red Bull.

Matt Brown
10/09/2021 08:26
Quote:
Mr Brooksy
Even mad Max is saying that he's happy to see Albon make a come back with Williams. He also stated that there was never any doubt about Alex's speed.
With his, Horner's and George's positive endorsements, it makes sense that Jost sat up and took strong notice of Alex. Really hope that we see the turn of good speed and performances he showed at Torro Rosso and the half year at Red Bull.

If Albon is that good then why did RBR drop him???

Mr Brooksy
11/09/2021 00:55
Quote:
Matt Brown
Quote:
Mr Brooksy
Even mad Max is saying that he's happy to see Albon make a come back with Williams. He also stated that there was never any doubt about Alex's speed.
With his, Horner's and George's positive endorsements, it makes sense that Jost sat up and took strong notice of Alex. Really hope that we see the turn of good speed and performances he showed at Torro Rosso and the half year at Red Bull.

If Albon is that good then why did RBR drop him???

Why does anyone with racing credentials disagree with you?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:11:00:57:46 by Mr Brooksy.

Ozzy Osbone
11/09/2021 04:43
Williams Trabant.

Andrew R B
11/09/2021 08:08
Welcome Alex to Williams Racing. Hope you have a successful time with the Team.
Nothing against Latifi, just underwhelmed that he is staying. Don't know what he brings to the Team, I know he has scored points this season. Hope that he can build on points success that he has gained, going towards the end of the season, and next.

BMW Williams, FW27, V10. The Sound of Thunder. ⬜🟦 🇬🇧
[youtu.be]

redline
11/09/2021 09:39
thumbs down



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:07:11:06:28:59 by redline.

GPL
11/09/2021 10:38
Just waiting for the new car now.

redline
11/09/2021 14:37
thumbs down



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:07:11:06:28:11 by redline.

Anderis
11/09/2021 21:47
Quote:
redline
maybe Latifi is like Sergio
Sergio was better before partnering Max, now Sergio is "just good"
maybe Latifi will be "better" if his team mate si Alex

we will see next year
My scepticism towards Latifi comes more from his very mediocre pre-F1 record rather than how he fared against Russell. If anything, he did a bit better in races against George than I had expected.
But taking his entire career into consideration, I don't think current circumstances make him look bad and he will only look better from now on. But maybe I'm wrong. He seems to have good work ethics so maybe he'll grow into a really competent driver. I'll however be surprised if he ever proves to be faster than a bottom 3 F1 driver.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:11:21:48:48 by Anderis.

WGPE
12/09/2021 00:15
Quote:
Ozzy Osbone
Williams Trabant.

Nothing wrong with a Trabant- I own one smiling smiley

Love it - a great stress reliever taking it out for a drive after a hard day at work.

I also own a Polski Fiat 126P.

Ozzy Osbone
12/09/2021 04:03
Sweet. I once owned a Lada Riva which I think was the Fiat 131? Can't recall. Good little car but not good to be seen in.

Ozzy Osbone
12/09/2021 07:20
Apparently the Lada Riva I owned was a Fiat 124. To be fair, it never let me down.

redline
12/09/2021 13:09
thumbs down



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2022:07:11:06:24:40 by redline.

Polemik
12/09/2021 21:34
Alex Albon: Without the Formula 1 cockpit, I would have driven IndyCar
The future Williams driver Alexander Albon calls his "Plan B" if it would not have worked with his return to Formula 1 for the 2022 season


(Motorsport-Total.com - 09/12/2021 2:22 PM) - New Williams driver Alexander Albon is asked whether he has dealt with alternatives, in the event that the Formula 1 comeback for the 2022 season would not have worked. And Albon says bluntly: "Yes, I have. And you have to do that too. I had to come up with a plan B."

After all, as a racing driver, you can't just tie yourself to your Formula 1 hopes, says Albon. He explains: "You can plan as much as you want in Formula 1, but if it doesn't work out, you're left with nothing. But you can't get involved with anything or anything."

He therefore dealt more intensively with IndyCar and Formula E. "Those two series came to mind [as an alternative]," says Albon.

Albon should drive Formula E one day ...
In fact, Albon almost ended up in Formula E: he had already signed a contract with Nissan there for the 2018/2019 season. But then Red Bull recruited him for his second Formula 1 team, Toro Rosso, and bought Albon out of his contract in the electric racing series without Albon ever racing there.

Now the Brit with Thai roots says: If in doubt, he would have been more drawn to the IndyCar series than to Formula E. He only went to the IndyCar race in Indianapolis to get an on-site impression of the championship. "And I liked it," says Albon.

Among other things, Dale Coyne from the racing team of the same name, where Romain Grosjean works, is said to have expressed an interest in Albon. And Coyne recently indicated: Albon was also on the list for other teams.

Albon also talked to Grosjean, who went to America in 2021, in Indy. The IndyCar environment seemed "exciting" to him during his visit. "Formula 1 was always my priority," said Albon.

Did Albon even use the "time out"?
“The only problem is: Formula 1 can [afford to] wait. The decisions there are often very late compared to other series. That made my situation quite difficult, because you want your options for a Formula 1 - Keep the cockpit open where the driver's carousel begins to turn. "

Ultimately, it was worth it for Albon to continue to believe in his Formula 1 opportunity. And the future Williams driver may even benefit from his "time out" year in the 2021 season: "I had the time to think about a lot," he says, "about things that I would do differently after 2020, what I would can learn from it. "

But Albon was not inactive: he completed simulator services and test drives for Red Bull in Formula 1 and also competed in GT3 DTM races. "It's just never nice when you're just an onlooker," says Albon. "That only spurred my motivation even more. And now I'm happy to be back again."

-end-

[www.motorsport-total.com]

Stu69
12/09/2021 22:18
Pretty happy with Albon myself. I trust Capito and the team. Why wouldn’t you?? Look at what they have achieved in a year. Those guys know a lot more than me and have access to a sh*t load more data. Proof of the pudding will be here soon enough.

boro1986willliamsf1
17/09/2021 21:25
Why when reading different site including F1 site I get the feeling we could lose Albon after 1 season as Redbull insist it has an option on him in 2023

100% Williams
WILL SUPPORT WILLIAMS AS LONG AS We HAVE A TEAM To Support

Myvatn
18/09/2021 11:06
That’s always a possibility, but I think Gasly would be the most logical choice if they really want to replace Pèrez in 2023. Unless of course Alex has a great season with us (and in that case I would be happy anyways winking smiley)

Andrew Hooper
19/09/2021 04:54
Capito really getting behind Albon, which I suppose is to be expected.

Recently commented: "Alex, for me, is the best combination between experience and youth. I absolutely believe the best for him is still to come. He went through a hard school, he has been at Mercedes, he has been at Red Bull so he knows a lot and his experience is great.

"Also, his personality is exceptional. I think he is a very friendly and nice guy inside the cockpit and outside the cockpit, he is a real fighter."

SydneyF1Fan
25/09/2021 05:30
I'm glad for Albon to get another chance and I think he'll be a great replacement for George.

Clearly the Red Bull is an extremely hard car to master as shown by Gasly, Albon and Perez. Albon was very unlucky not to get a couple of podiums after being taken out by Hamilton, which would have resulted in a much better track record for him and increased his confidence.

http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy358/SydneyF1Fan/SydneyF1FanSignatureWinner-v3.gif



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:09:25:05:33:44 by SydneyF1Fan.

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