F1 veteran backs team’s bold Drivers’ Championship ambition with striking claim

The Thai driver, speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, backed comments made by team principal James Vowles, who previously outlined Williams’ ambition of fighting for a drivers’ title by 2030. Asked about the feasibility of that target, Albon firmly endorsed his team boss’s outlook.

The former Red Bull Racing driver described Vowles as a grounded and realistic figure, while suggesting he would even welcome an accelerated timeline for the ambition. “I think 2030 is, yes. I think that James is a realistic person. I think he doesn’t try to fluff anything up. Obviously, we would appreciate it if that were a little bit earlier than what it is. I think we’ve noticed this year that we are a bit further back than where we want to, and maybe it has set us back a little bit more. But I do believe in him when he says that,” Albon noted.

The Williams team enjoyed one of its best campaigns in recent years when it finished fifth in the Constructors’ standings, with a staggering haul of 137 points alongside two podium finishes from Carlos Sainz. However, the 2026 campaign has so far unfolded in a far more challenging manner, with a total of seven points after the first five rounds of the season.

Despite the challenging start the Williams team have experienced this season, Albon is optimistic the Monaco circuit could be one to play into the hands of the Grove-based outfit. The 30-year-old, in his assessment, noted how the characteristics of the race track, particularly its multiple slow-speed corners, should play into the demands of the FW48 machinery.

Albon added that he is looking forward to the unique demands of the circuit and its relatively straightforward energy deployment.

“I’m just excited. I think it will be a nice track that, you know, I think deployment-wise it’s quite user-friendly around here, so it will hopefully be an enjoyable weekend,” he concluded.

Last time out in Canada, Albon endured a forgettable weekend through both the sprint and Grand Prix. The incident involving a groundhog during practice largely set the tone for his sprint outing, as he was forced to start the race at the end of the grid after failing to partake in qualifying. However, for the main race, Albon suffered an early end to his race after a collision triggered by Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.