What we know as Williams unveils 'new' Albon F1 deal
Alex Albon will remain with Williams for a sixth Formula 1 season in 2027, in what the team has presented as a contract "extension".
His current multi-year deal was already thought to cover 2027, and The Race understands no new racing contract has been agreed. Instead, The Race understands that the 2027 confirmation relates to exit clauses that existed in the contract - particularly relevant in the context of Williams's huge struggles with its current FW48 car, its first attempt at a design for these new regulations.
Albon, too, has not had the easiest time of it himself, as after a tough adaptation period in 2025 team-mate Carlos Sainz has comprehensively turned the tide of their intra-team battle in his favour over the last year or so.
Sainz's future still remains in question for 2027. But Albon is now locked in, in what Williams has described as a "renewed commitment" - but one that, as per the announcement, only appears to cover next year for now.
"Alex is one of the best drivers on the grid and knows better than anyone the enormous improvements we have made in recent years - re-signing him shows the belief we both have in the direction we are heading," team principal James Vowles was quoted as saying.
"Obviously, I have a great relationship with the team," said Albon. "I really do enjoy working with everyone - the team at the factory, the team at the racetrack, but also the board and James himself. We've clearly formed a strong relationship.
"We've also hired some great people within the organisation, targeting areas we know we've been struggling in as a team. I think it's great to see how honest we are about that.
"Speaking with James, and him showing me the planning around the number of people who've joined the team in the last 12 months, but also how he's still looking at other areas of the company - it's clear the investment and the strategy towards powering our workforce, and hiring the best of the best, is what's going to help us get to the top quicker."
For now, the FW48 remains a disappointment, and not much is expected of the car in the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort. A big upgrade is coming for Baku, but its expected impact has been played down by multiple figures in the team, with the suggestion being that a true course-correction is only likely to show in 2027.
Amid all that, the focus is on Sainz - a year older than Albon, and slightly more vocal in his dissatisfaction with the current situation.
A report from Spanish outlet Marca earlier this month suggested Sainz is closing in on a Williams stay for 2027, but more specifics of his contractual situation are likely to emerge this upcoming weekend.
