Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing. 23.11.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 23, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Preparation Day. – www.xpbimages.com, EMail: [email protected] © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images
Alex Albon says securing seventh in the Constructors’ Championship this weekend is Williams’ “number one priority”, but the side won’t be “kicking ourselves” if it misses out.
Williams currently occupies seventh in the standings courtesy of a 28-point haul, putting them seven points ahead of eighth-place AlphaTauri on 21 points.
In Las Vegas last weekend, Williams achieved its best qualifying result of the year, locking out the third row of the grid. However, the Grove-based outfit slipped out of points contention, failing to secure seventh in the standings with one race to spare.
But Albon believes the fight was always likely going to go on to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand regardless of the outcome last Saturday night in Vegas.
“I don’t think we missed an opportunity in Vegas,” he said. “I don’t think points were really on the cards on Sunday.
“But of course, there was a hope of hanging on and desire to try and score points last weekend to try and take that pressure, and that possibility away from this weekend. Because we haven’t scored points, as you said, the possibility is still very, very much real in terms of finishing P7 to P8.”
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing walks the circuit with Zak O’Sullivan (GBR) Williams Racing Academy Driver (Right). 23.11.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 23, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Preparation Day. – www.xpbimages.com, EMail: [email protected] © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Images
Aside from more prize money being the obvious benefit from finishing one place higher in the championship, the Anglo-Thai racer also believes racing pride is at stake.
“We can say it doesn’t really affect us, but of course, we, we’re racers, everyone’s a racer in the team,” he added. “We all care about what position we finish.
“That walk into the pit lane is a little bit too long at the minute and one position already makes a difference. It will speed up the development of the team as well at the minute.
“So, there’s a big drive and a big want this weekend to finish in P7 so, but, you know, it’s clearly on, it’s our number one priority coming into the weekend.”
Regardless of how the season ends, Albon is “very proud of what we’ve achieved at the team,” feeling the side has maximised its chances to score points this year.
“I think Melbourne was the only race where, where I felt like I missed an opportunity to score points,” Albon expressed.
“But every other race we’ve done this year when there’s been a chance. We’ve done it and I think that’s been the main difference against our rivals.”
Whilst finishing seventh in the standings is Albon and Williams’ main focus heading into the Abu Dhabi weekend, the British squad also has one eye on the future.
Albon, who has scored all but one of the team’s points this season, is acutely aware that certain sacrifices in the short term could lead to greater long-term benefits.
“We’re pretty self-confident in ourselves that we’ve done the right thing and we’ve talked about it enough but, we have stopped our development for a long time now and if we lose out for what we’re focusing on for next year, it’s not going to be a kicking ourselves moment,” he said.
“I do think we’re gonna see the rewards next year.”
Keyword: Albon: Williams won’t be ‘kicking ourselves’ if it loses P7