Alex Albon Eager for Leclerc Attack, Eyeing Piastri

Alex Albon’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign with Williams has turned heads after a string of strong results, highlighted at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Albon ran inside the top five and at one stage looked ready to battle with Charles Leclerc for fourth place, even setting his sights on a possible move for third against Oscar Piastri.

Albon later admitted he was excited for the chance to pass Leclerc and felt the pace in his car might have put him in position to challenge Piastri as well.

Williams entered 2025 under pressure after a tough previous season, which saw them score their first point in Monaco last year when Albon finished ninth. The team had struggled with a heavy car and limited development, but the FW47 has delivered better speed and consistency. For more on the technical regulations shaping modern F1 cars, see the FIA’s official documentation.

Across the opening seven races in 2025, Albon has scored points in six events, with three finishes inside the top five. In qualifying, Albon trails his new teammate Carlos Sainz by three to four in direct matchups; however, Albon’s race pace and tyre management have given him the edge during Grands Prix, especially when strategy calls have not fallen in Sainz’s favor.

At Imola, Albon finished fifth but left disappointed, believing a more patient approach with Leclerc late in the race could have helped him secure a podium. He described his mindset after the race, recalling how he “was licking my lips” at the chance to attack, confident the Williams’ fresh tires could carry him forward.

A mix of luck and misfortune contributed to the result—a Virtual Safety Car played into his favor at one point, but a safety car later disadvantaged him, preventing a final push toward third place. For a deeper understanding of F1 race strategies, MIT’s Motorsports Analytics research offers valuable insights.

Team principal James Vowles has credited the partnership between Albon and Sainz as a boost for both drivers. Vowles said that Albon’s open, non-political approach has helped the two share information and push each other to improve.

Rather than keeping data to himself, Albon regularly suggests lines and techniques to Sainz, building a collaborative environment that is not always seen between teammates in Formula 1. The dynamic has allowed Williams to make gains on race weekends, with both drivers identifying areas for greater performance.

Albon admitted that Williams’ speed at Imola came somewhat as a surprise, as he expected the team to face difficulties on the Italian circuit. Instead, Williams continued a run of solid form that began in Miami, a race where the car exceeded expectations. For historical context on Imola’s challenges, check out Wikipedia’s Circuit Guide.

Albon said that while he is careful not to assume the performance will stay, he is enjoying the ability to race consistently at the front end of the midfield. He also pointed out that races like Monaco may suit the car, even as Barcelona could be more of a challenge.

As Williams builds momentum through the 2025 season, Albon’s knack for tyre preservation and steady racecraft has been a major asset. The team continues to progress without major car updates, relying instead on strong communication and race execution. For more on tyre strategies, Pirelli’s F1 insights provide expert analysis.

Albon’s ability to manage his stints, adapt to changing circumstances on track, and challenge established front-runners means Williams remains a threat for high points finishes as the campaign moves forward.

With the next races around the corner, Williams and Albon have made clear their intent to keep up the fight in the top ten, hoping for more opportunities to mix it with the lead cars as the season unfolds.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.