Williams team principal James Vowles says Alex Albon lacked confidence in himself when he joined the Grove outfit after a difficult spell in Red Bull’s system.
Discussing his drivers on the Business of Sport podcast, Vowles talked about his role in maintaining their confidence, despite the inevitable dips.
The Briton, who took over the Williams team in 2023, has had a long relationship with Albon, even before he joined the team.
“If we start with Alex – I’ve known Alex since 2016. He was with me at Mercedes, then went on to Red Bull, but I’ve known him since he was much younger. Him and Lando and George all grew up together, which is quite a nice little story. You can see them in the paddock all huddling together as well.”
He continued, adding that his driver’s pace was evident, even though he believes his time in Red Bull affected his confidence after driving alongside Max Verstappen.
“What I knew of him at the time; fiercely quick, lacked some confidence in himself, didn’t understand how good he really was, I think, at times.
“And when I met him in 2023, he lacked belief in where he was. I think he had a hard time pretty much going through the Red Bull system he had, and one year in Williams hadn’t necessarily helped him.
“And my job in all of that is to create a shield around him, let him know he is bloody good. He is one of the top drivers in the sport. I’ll be by his side and give him a pedestal that allows him to grow as a result of it.”
This process has unlocked something in Albon, with him showing immense performance as he races alongside former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
Carlos Sainz, Williams, Alexander Albon, Williams
Photo by: Peter Fox / Getty Images
“He has the inherent skill, but what I’ve done as a result of things, I hope, is to really grow him as an individual where he has the confidence to give his all every single weekend, which is what you’re seeing this year.
“And to be clear on this, they do the hard work. Mine is just really light guiding buffers on the outside to make sure that they’re good. Same when they have a down weekend. They will have a down weekend. My job is to make sure they don’t spiral out of control.
“They’re here. They understand how to put it in a box. It’s done. It’s gone. Here’s how we move forward together at the same time.”
Sainz scored his first podium finish for Williams at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a result he wasn’t expecting during his first year with the outfit.
“With Carlos, it’s exactly the same except he’s very good at doing it. He’s pissed at himself or the team on Monday afterwards. And so he should be. By Tuesday he’s calling and trying to understand, how do we find this performance – this, this and this.
“We needed to sort this out, this is what I’m going to do to change myself – and mine is to be a sounding board and here to effectively execute the items that simply make sense for all of us as a result of it, so it’s an easy job with these two.”
