Following the unexpected shakedown that took place yesterday at Silverstone, Alex Albon addressed the issues Williams have encountered at the beginning of the 2026 season
The 2026 campaign is shaping up to be a very complicated one for Williams. The start of this new era of cars appears to have caught the Grove-based team off guard, at least judging by the outcome of the five days of testing in Barcelona. And that’s not all.
Indeed, even after yesterday’s shakedown at Silverstone—unexpected and only announced at the last minute by Vowles and his team—Alexander Albon expressed negative, or at least skeptical, thoughts about the FW48.
All of this adds to the paddock rumors, which point to growing discontent and mounting pressure within the British team.
Albon’s words: problems, doubts and difficult months
The Thai driver, formerly of Red Bull and now in his fifth season with Williams, commented on yesterday’s Silverstone outing via his social media channels: “I completed my first laps with the FW48. It wasn’t the start to the season we wanted, but it’s great to be back behind the wheel.”
Despite the underlying negativity, Alex went on to add: “This doesn’t define our season. Huge credit to everyone at Grove for the effort and determination that allowed us to be here today at Silverstone after some difficult months“.
However, Albon’s focus is already shifting to Bahrain, the next venue for pre-season testing:
“Next stop, Bahrain. Let’s make this a great year “.
Photos: Atlassian Williams F1 Team