Albon’s seven top-10 finishes in 22 races this year has put the Grove team in 7th place ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The FW45 chassis of Williams has provided a step-up in performance this season, and the Grove-based team currently sits in seventh place in the F1 Constructor’s Championship on 28 points – one place better than its eighth-spot finish in 2021.
This is largely thanks to the on-track efforts of Alex Albon, who has single-handedly taken the fight to the rest of the midfield, with Logan Sargeant contributing only 1 point in what has been a challenging rookie season for the 22-year-old American.
Despite a couple of DNFs early in the season, the 27-year-old Thai-British driver has delivered top-10 finishes in seven races and has maximised the package at every opportunity. Strong straight-line speed, tracks like Canada and Monza offered him chances to place higher up the field, which he duly did thanks to his considerable ability.
Of course, many in the sport believe that the improvement in William’s form since James Vowles took over as the new team principal is no coincidence.
Since his days as chief strategy engineer for 2009 World Champions Brawn GP, followed by a stint with the dominant Mercedes AMG team under Toto Wolff, Vowles has impressed with his calm, knowledgeable demeanour, and his recent coup of bringing Pat Fry to the team in a senior technical role should continue to pay dividends in the coming seasons.
With only one race to go until the curtain descends on the 2023 calendar, a decent showing at Yas Marina Circuit should consolidate Williams’ position ahead of its close rivals AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo and Haas.
ABOUT ETHARA:
Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
