Williams looked set for another difficult campaign as incoming team principal James Vowles embarked on a huge rebuild of the long-time backmarker.
Although it will require several years, Williams is currently struggling with its FW45 as it lacks aerodynamic load in comparison to its rivals.
However, similar to its previous version, the 2023 vehicle’s aerodynamic features also presented the team with advantageous chances to achieve significant results on circuits that require less downforce.
The Anglo-Thai driver, Albon, has been able to take advantage of his car’s strengths even more this year compared to last year. In the previous season, he only scored four points throughout the entire campaign.
After earning only one point in Bahrain’s first race, Albon secured six points by finishing seventh in Canada. He followed that up with an additional four points in Silverstone.
With rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant still point-less, Alon has single-handedly dragged Williams up to a joint seventh with Haas on 11 points, three more points than the Grove scored all of last season.
Albon acknowledged that the year 2023 had surpassed his expectations. “To be honest, I must say it has been a highly successful year for us thus far,” he expressed.
I prefer not to disclose too many details, but it seems that we have made significant advancements from our initial stage in Bahrain to our current situation.
Perhaps not to the same extent as the McLarens, but we are making progress in the correct path from our end.
Alex Albon, Williams Racing
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Currently, we hold the seventh position in the constructors’ championship, with an equal score. If you had informed me or any team member about this outcome at the beginning of the year, we would have been extremely thrilled. Therefore, our progress is satisfactory.
Clearly, our main objective is to maintain concentration and continue persevering. However, I am confident that as a collective, we can utilize the summer break to relax and rejuvenate, returning with renewed energy.
Williams introduced a significant improvement for the Canadian Grand Prix in June, which included a fresh floor and sidepod configuration.
The team has been able to improve its competitiveness on tracks that are not usually favorable for its car. Albon achieved an unexpected 11th place at the challenging Hungaroring circuit, although this was partly due to a daring undercut strategy.
Albon mentions that possessing a car with a higher probability of competing for points in any race weekend, rather than only performing exceptionally well at certain races with low downforce, has greatly increased the team’s confidence.
He expressed his enthusiasm for participating in every race weekend and competing for points. Being in that position consistently boosts the team’s confidence and motivation, creating a positive atmosphere.
“So, I believe we are relishing these moments, and with any luck, we can achieve some points.”
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