Mercedes: 'Very strict and clear confidentiality clauses for Albon'

Alexander Albon will not be allowed to pass on information about Mercedes' power units next season. The British Thai returns to Formula 1 and does so with the Williams team. They drive with German power units and so Albon will be able to see up close how Mercedes works on engine level.

This is of course interesting information for Red Bull Racing, where he is still under contract. Toto Wolff told Autosport.com that clear confidentiality clauses have been signed, so Albon will have to keep his mouth shut.

The Mercedes team boss previously said that Albon would have to cut all his ties with Red Bull in order to drive for Williams, yet Albon remains retained for Helmut Marko's stable. "I was at Williams, and I would have not wanted anybody to interfere in our driver decision. And in the same way, we have no contractual rights that we could have or would have utilised, because I don’t think it’s right to meddle with the team’s decision on drivers," he now backtracks a little on that.

Secrecy

There was, however, a logical condition for Mercedes. "What was important for us is if a driver from another power unit manufacturer joins the team then there is very strict and clear IP confidentiality clauses. That was always in great harmony with Williams, they know exactly where we are coming from and what is important to protect.”

Albon has signed a one-year contract at Williams. He will come to drive alongside Nicholas Latifi in 2022.