Albon dissects how Sainz has shifted Williams' mindset since he arrived

21:17, 14 Dec

Updated: 21:18, 14 Dec

byLuke-John Buckle

Alex Albon feels that his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz has made him become a better driver this year.

“In terms of pushing me, yes, it's great to have someone”

- Alex Albon

Williams took a significant step up this year, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship, with Sainz taking two third places.

Albon did finish eighth in the standings, nine points ahead of Sainz, who completed his first year at the British team.

The Thai driver explained in Abu Dhabi that Sainz has had a significant impact on him and the team.

Albon said via Autosport: “In terms of pushing me, yes, it's great to have someone. It's a different data set to have a look at, different driving style to me. We want similar things in the car, but we actually normally arrive to qualifying with a very similar set-up."

Photo: Race Pictures

He added that Sainz's arrival has pushed Williams towards a different culture in F1.

“Definitely different in terms of a culture and mindset. I would say that, being totally honest, just as an approach between the two cars, much more equal in the way that the team has treated us."

Albon has had an advantage over previous Williams teammates Nicholas Latifi, Logan Sargeant and Franco Colapinto. By contrast, 2025 had a different dynamic with Sainz matching Albon.

Williams may face uncertainty over Mercedes power

Williams have been using Mercedes customer engines since the hybrid era began in 2014.

Despite this long-standing partnership, Mercedes will reduce its number of customer teams in the coming years.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said that around two or three customers would be ideal.

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