On March 16, 2025, Alex Albon secured his best result since leaving Red Bull, finishing fifth at the Australian Grand Prix, significantly contributing to Williams Racing's promising start to the season. Despite Carlos Sainz crashing out early, the Spaniard's insights proved invaluable to Albon's performance as the team navigated challenging weather conditions at Albert Park.
Sainz started from tenth on the grid but was involved in the opening lap drama when a safety car was deployed shortly after Jack Doohan spun his Alpine. During this period, Sainz lost control of his FW47, attributing the accident to what he referred to as "a massive torque surge" over team radio. "First of all, a massive congratulations to Alex and the team; he did a great job and started off our season on the right foot," Sainz said. The crash sidelined him, leaving Albon as the team's only competitive entrant for the rest of the race.
Albon, starting from sixth, was immediately left battling with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who passed him on the first lap. He then had to fend off Lewis Hamilton, trying to maintain position amid changing conditions as rain began to affect the track's grip. Albon's gamble to switch to intermediate tires from slicks during the rain paid dividends, especially as his competitors hesitated, enabling him to gain positions late in the race.
Williams made the strategic decision to pit Albon early for intermediate tires, exactly when it was most needed, allowing him to leapfrog rivals like Leclerc and Yuki Tsunoda. The timely pit strategy impressed Williams Team Principal James Vowles, who noted, "Carlos, his insight was incredibly useful on...the transition to the inter. You saw several teams unsure, but Carlos was adamant: ‘You’re going to want to swap on this,’ and he was spot on!" This decision solidified Albon's position, enabling him to hold off challenges from behind and eventually finish fifth.
Albon admitted the weather conditions were tricky, stating, "Honestly, it was one of those really awkward races where it never felt comfortable. The wind was busting like crazy, the conditions were obviously so mixed. I wasn’t too confident; it was about making sure you don’t make mistakes...Points like today mean a lot, and I’m positive about what’s to come." His fifth place marked Williams’ best result since the 2017 season, showcasing the significant strides made during the recent off-season.
Sainz was not just sidelined; he actively aided his teammate from the pit wall, contributing to strategic discussions during the race. Albon appreciated his help, saying, "I didn’t agree with his call to put me in; the track was bone dry for two sectors when I came out, but it was the right call, and I’m just really happy for everyone." After the race, he reflected on the importance of teamwork, noting, "This is for everyone at Grove, for all their work. It’s been really strong, and we had...a great day yesterday. Today was windy and mixed conditions…and here we are, with points on the board!"
The impressive showing from Williams at the Australian Grand Prix not only delights the team but sets the tone for the season. Following last year’s struggles, where they finished ninth with only 17 points, Albon’s points haul indicates the resurgence of the team. Vowles expressed his pride, remarking, "What an incredible feeling! We reflect on where we were twelve months ago, and it’s just worlds apart. Well done to Alex – he defended against really great drivers. I’m incredibly proud of this team and can’t wait to get to Shanghai.">
Albon’s performance and Sainz’s strategic role reinforce Williams’ ambitious progression within the competitive midfield of Formula 1. With continued improvements, there is optimism among the team members about finally closing the gap to the front-runners. More excitement awaits as Williams prepares for the next race, hoping to build on its successful momentum from Melbourne.