(Motorsport news) Williams Racing have confirmed that Red Bull’s current reserve driver Alex Albon will team up with Nicholas Latifi for the 2022 season as a replacement for George Russell who has moved to Mercedes AMG Racing.
Albon replaced Pierre Gasly in 2019 on a swap from Toro Rosso and Red Bull and competed for the team throughout the season. Inconsistent performances and lack of podium finishes resulted in the 25 year old being replaced by Sergio Perez with Albon’s role reduced to a test and reserve driver.
In a statement released by Red Bull, the team confirmed that they have released Alex Albon to drive for Williams but will retain a relationship which includes future options. "We rate Alex very highly and with our line-up for 2022 fixed, our objective was to help find him a seat in another team where he could gain more F1 mileage and experience and we are delighted to have done that with Williams Racing," said Horner.
"Alex has been a hugely valuable asset in his role as our Test & Reserve Driver this year, helping bring performance from the simulator to the car each weekend, but for his career it was important not to spend another season out of an F1 race seat."
Jost Capito, the chief executive at Williams, said: "Alex is one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport, yet comes with a large amount of F1 experience from his time at Red Bull.
"His multiple podium finishes highlight his speed as a driver, and we know he will immediately feel at home with the team at Grove."
With only three teams yet to announce their driver pairings, Aston Martin and Haas are expected to retain their existing drivers. The only seat up for grabs is at Alfa Romeo, with Valtteri Bottas already announced and Antonio Giovinazzi a possible team mate, especially considering his affiliation with Ferrari who are the engine suppliers for Alfa Romeo.
