Alex discusses pre-season testing

Albono chats about his first day of pre-season testing in Bahrain

Published

27 FEB 2025

Est Reading Time

3 min

Alex enjoyed his first extended stint in Atlassian Williams Racing’s FW47 — and he is feeling positive about the season ahead after getting behind the wheel.

Our Thai racer took part in his first test session at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday, where he was able to put the team’s new car through its paces.

And it was productive few hours for AA23, who reflected on the experience while speaking to F1 TV:

“I would say we're definitely one of the teams that are focused more on 2026 than this year, but at the same time, the car does feel good,” he explained.

“I don't think we've made it worse, that's for sure. There were some weaknesses with our car last year — especially in the wind — that we didn't really like, and there was a big focus this year to try and fix that.

“So it's a good test actually, this track, because it's been windy pretty much the whole time we've been here so far. And so far, so reasonable, it’s going ok.”

Alex then added: “We've been good at low speed. We've realised our low speed car is actually quite good, so we've been pretty happy with the balance in Sector 2.”

Albono also spoke about the personal challenge he is facing this year, as he teams up with experienced driver Carlos Sainz at Williams:

“I feel like it's a good challenge, you know, I’m not going to hide about it — it’s obviously going to be a tough year, in terms of going up against someone who's got a lot of respect down the pit lane,” he said.

“But also I just think he [Sainz] is a very good driver. I think he's just come back from possibly his best year in Formula 1.

“Plus, I enjoy it, I see it as an opportunity. I think that when someone comes in with that respect, it's kind of ‘game on’ in some ways, you know.”

Finally, Albono concluded by expressing a sense of longer-term positivity about what he hopes to achieve at Williams in the years ahead.

“I do feel like in general, for us, we feel like we're in a good place,” he revealed.

“We've obviously signed a big title partner [Atlassian] and Carlos has joined.

“It's been a bit of a weird one because, in some ways we started last year, and last year didn't go as we wanted it to go.

“But the momentum has still been going forwards and upwards, and Carlos' signing was a big boost for the team. I just think that we're going to work well together.

“I think there's obviously a big ambition for us to move up the grid, and the journey is going to be a long one.

“I don't think we're going to get into this season and be up at the top, but the goal is hopefully that when the regulation changes happen, we can be in a strong position.

“And I think, hopefully, with Carlos and I, with the experience, we can really do something great and really help the team get forwards.”