Albon hopeful of returning: 'They have financial clout'.

Alexander Albon returns to Formula 1 next season. The driver will start at Williams, where he will replace George Russell. It was not the only option for Albon though.

Indeed, he was also in the interest of Alfa Romeo but eventually chose Williams. "They are both wonderful teams, but I feel that Williams has the upside," he told Motorsport.com. "They have financial clout because of the investors and I also got the chance to visit the team. There I saw that they are all very positive and optimistic. They really want to make something of it and because of that I see this as my best option to get back on the grid."

Albon acknowledges that Russell put in a good word for him. "I definitely owe George a few beers. George and I are also just good friends. George didn't even have to tell me it was between Nyck and me because I had the situation and all the options pretty much figured out myself. I knew it would be close for that Williams seat and I am very grateful to Jost Capito for believing in me."

Albon's past in Formula One

The Thai also drove in Formula 1 in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Back then, he competed for Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing.