What a year! In 2024, Alex Albon caused more damage than he would have liked at Williams, unintentionally becoming the biggest crash-prone driver in Formula 1. The British-Thai driver will be seeking sporting revenge and more success in 2025. His best ranking this season was a seventh place. We’ve compiled where that was, and much more, in a photo series for you. Starting with a photo that unfortunately perfectly illustrates Albon’s season: the crash in Brazil.
The Year of Alex Albon in Pictures:
Speaking of reckless drivers, one might think of Logan Sargeant. He was Albon’s teammate at Williams until the Dutch Grand Prix in the Netherlands this year. The American was then replaced by Franco Colapinto. Thus, Albon had two teammates this season. (Motorsport Images)
That Williams valued Albon more than Sargeant became evident in Melbourne. There, Albon crashed in the first free practice. Since there was no third chassis available, Williams could only start in Melbourne with one car: that of Sargeant. However, the American had to give up his seat, and Albon was allowed to race in his place – albeit without success (eleventh). (Motorsport Images)
Albon was under more pressure than ever at Williams this season, mainly due to Franco Colapinto. As the new teammate, the Argentine rookie made life quite difficult for the team leader. Sometimes faster and better, sometimes also more audacious. Like in Singapore, where Colapinto outsmarted Albon with a clever move. A ‘dive bomb’, Albon grumbled afterwards. He had to get used to the new competition. (Motorsport Images)
Despite the many crashes Albon had and the pressure from Colapinto, his relationship with team boss James Vowles remained good. Vowles has confidence in Albon and gave him a long-term contract. He will experience the future together with Carlos Sainz. Vowles secured the Spaniard as a new driver for the coming season. Albon, therefore, has his work cut out for him. (Motorsport Images)
Albon’s Sporting Struggles and Triumphs
A crash in Australia, issues in Miami, a slide in Mexico, a hard hit in Brazil; Alexander Albon certainly didn’t lack sporting adversity. However, he also experienced some bad luck, such as in the Netherlands. After qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, he was disqualified: the floor of the FW46 did not meet the requirements.
Albon’s Unwavering Spirit
Fortunately, Albon’s mood did not suffer from his disappointing year. In the paddock, he remains one of the most popular and cheerful drivers, loved by many. This includes his colleagues, with whom he maintains friendly relations. An example of this is George Russell, the man he succeeded at Williams.
Albon’s Sporting Success
Was there no sporting success at all? Certainly, there was! In Azerbaijan, Albon finished seventh, his best performance of the year so far.
Open Formula 1 Season
He would have preferred more frequent success, but the weekend in Baku was the highlight of the year for Williams, earning 10 out of a total of 17 points. This result placed Williams ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, with Alexander Albon finishing sixteenth among the drivers with 12 points.
Unfortunately for Albon, 2024 will primarily be remembered as the season in which he caused over 2 million euros worth of damage. Not always his fault, but still a significant expense for Williams, especially in the era of the so-called budget cap with a spending ceiling. The good news: one could argue that things can only get better in 2025.
