BREAKING: Albon to replace Russell at Williams in 2022

Alexander Albon returns to Formula 1 at Williams. The Red Bull protégé will replace George Russell at Williams. Williams had a lot of drivers to choose from, but ended up with the Thai. Nicholas Latifi, who is in his second season at the team, will also retain his seat, despite speculation that he would also depart.

Albon has had a remarkable career in motorsport so far. At a young age he was accepted into Red Bull's training programme, but when his mother was sent to prison his performance on the track declined. Albon was soon dropped from the programme, but found support in Thailand to keep racing.

Albon's rollercoaster ride

After a third place in Formula 2, there was suddenly a call again from Helmut Marko, who wanted him in the Toro Rosso car in 2019. Albon drove a solid six months, and by then was chosen to replace Pierre Gasly at Red Bull Racing. That move cane too soon, and after a year and a half of struggling alongside Max Verstappen, he lost his place.

Instead of being relegated to AlphaTauri like Gasly, Albon had to make do with a reserve role at Red Bull and a spot in the DTM championship in 2021, during which he has already won a race. For 2022, however, the pressure was on to find a place for Albon again, and it finally worked out at Williams.

He will join Nicholas Latifi at the team, who has retained his place.