2025 saw Alex Albon go up against his most challenging teammate since Max Verstappen. The Thai was pushed to his limits by four-time race winner Carlos Sainz, the most decorated driver to compete for Williams in a decade.

Albon managed to outscore Sainz in this year’s campaign, even if the Spaniard ended the season in electric form.

Two podiums helped Sainz reduce a large deficit accumulated from the opening rounds. Still, despite Sainz emerging with a winning qualifying head-to-head, Albon finished the year with more points.

From Albon’s perspective, his new teammate’s integration was crucial in changing the culture at Williams.

Alexander Albon (THA) Atlassian Williams Racing.
Albon details extent of Sainz impact at Williams

Carlos Sainz anticipated that Williams would be a step down from Ferrari when he first agreed to join – at least initially.

Team principal James Vowles’ pitch to Sainz was mainly centred around 2026 and beyond, rather than 2025. Because of this, the mentality heading into this season was more of focusing on integration, rather than outright results.

In this sense, Sainz can be pleased to have hit two birds with one stone. After a tricky start, where Alex Albon regularly secured better results, the 31-year-old found his groove after the summer.

This put Williams in a rare position, at least in their recent history, where both drivers were regular points contributors.

For Albon, who was comfortably faster than his two previous teammates, this season demanded a higher level to match a faster driver on the opposite side of the garage.

According to the Thai driver, Sainz’s influence in the team was hugely important:

“Definitely [there’s been a change], different in terms of a culture and mindset,” Albon explained to Motorsport.

“I would say that, being totally honest, just as an approach between the two cars, much more equal in the way that the team has treated us.

“I could definitely say I had, for the majority, the preferential treatment in previous years. In terms of us two working together, more backwards and forwards in terms of feedback ping-pong. Where we’re just having the same opinions about the car.

“We speak in a very similar language, I think. Carlos is more experienced than I am. But in terms of our age and our approach, we handle things in a very similar way.

“In terms of pushing me, yes, it’s great to have someone.”

Alexander Albon leaves the pits, followed by Carlos Sainz.
Everything in place for a brighter future

Nothing ever stands still in Formula 1, especially during the transition into a new set of regulations.

For Williams, 2026 has been marked on their calendar for well over a year. Every decision that has been taken, in terms of development, wind tunnel hours and resource allocation, has been with 2026 in mind.

With arguably their strongest line-up this century in place, Williams are well-positioned to compete if they deliver the car.

Both in the factory and at trackside operations, there has been a clear step forward. Now is the time for James Vowles to ensure his team fulfil their growing potential and make their presence known in the upcoming era of F1.

READ MORE: Aston Martin to have first 2026 shakedown before pre-season testing

Main photo: Williams Media Gallery