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June 10, 2026
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Abhinav Ennazhiyil

Alex Albon Poised to Break Long-Standing Williams Race Start Record

A Historic Milestone in Barcelona

Formula 1 driver Alex Albon is on the verge of etching his name into the history books of one of the sport's most iconic teams. At the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Albon is expected to become the driver with the most race starts in Williams history, surpassing the record of 95 Grands Prix previously held by the legendary Nigel Mansell.

Alex Albon artwork for Beyond The Grid

Growth and Evolution at Williams

In a recent episode of the Beyond The Grid podcast hosted by Tom Clarkson, Albon reflected on his journey since joining the Grove-based team in 2022. He discussed the personal and professional evolution he has undergone, detailing how his perspective as a driver and an individual has shifted during his tenure with the team.

Albon also provided insight into the challenges Williams has faced during the transition into the current era of Formula 1. He explained that the team's difficult start in this new regulatory period has fundamentally altered their immediate targets, shifting the focus on how they approach the pursuit of podiums, race wins, and overall championships.

Team Dynamics and Rivalries

Beyond the statistics, Albon touched upon the internal dynamics of the team, specifically his relationship with teammate Carlos Sainz. He also shared his views on the current success of former junior category rivals, such as Lando Norris and George Russell, acknowledging the trajectories of those he raced against in his early career.

As Albon prepares for the Spanish Grand Prix, the focus remains not only on the technical battle for points but on a significant legacy milestone that marks his stability and growth within the Williams family.

Sources: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/beyond-the-grid-albon-on-his-williams-journey-and-being-on-the-cusp-of-history.7Lp8Xr04nR40xJn2MChV87