Williams team boss impressed with Albon: 'I underestimated that'

According to Williams team boss Jost Capito, Alexander Albon got a lot out of the gap year in 2021. The Thai had to watch from the sidelines for a year after his exit at Red Bull Racing before returning to Formula One with Williams in 2022.

Capito let it be known in conversation with RACER.com know at he did not realize how much Albon has benefited from his year on the sidelines. When the 2020 season ended, Albon was told by Red Bull that his spot was taken by Sergio Perez. A return to second-team AlphaTauri was also out of the question, as Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda got the seats there.

Capito happy with new recruit at Williams

"Alex is settling in fantastically, I think it is the best that could have happened to the team," Capito says. "But what I was underestimating is what he gained through having a year outside the car." Albon was present at Red Bull almost every race despite the step back, which Capito says gave him interesting insights he wouldn't have had as a racing driver.

"He’s a very smart guy so he learned a lot from this," Capito continued. According to the German, Albon's year on the sidelines means he knows a lot better how to approach the team when he wants to change something. However, Capito does admit that Albon is happy to be back in the car himself.

Russell was a big help

Albon is the replacement at Williams for George Russell who will drive for Mercedes in 2022. Capito says Russell provided a lot of help to Albon when the Thai was new in at Williams. Russell gave Albon a lot of information because the Briton likes to see his replacement do well. Off the track, the two have been good friends for years.