Alex Albon’s F1 profession prospects might be made a “little bit tougher” if he doesn’t fare nicely in opposition to Carlos Sainz in 2025, in response to Johnny Herbert.
Sainz will race for Williams in 2025 after shedding his Ferrari drive to Lewis Hamilton.
The Spaniard will go up in opposition to Albon, who has slowly rebuilt his repute since his days with Crimson Bull.
The Thai driver dismantled Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant however confronted stress from Franco Colapinto, significantly within the first few races of the Argentine’s quick Williams stint.
Some questions have been raised about how good Albon is, given the identification of his latest teammates post-Max Verstappen.
Chatting with Casinoutanspelpaus.io, Herbert described the problem of going up in opposition to Sainz for Albon as “an enormous take a look at”.
“This season is an enormous take a look at for Alex Albon,” he stated. “That is actually the place, for nearly the second time, that is in all probability the true correct take a look at of the place if he doesn’t go fairly proper, it’s going to make his profession that little bit tougher.
“Particularly if anyone like Carlos Sainz is available in I count on him to be on it straightaway. I do know he had his issues initially when he went to Ferrari and it took Sainz a very long time earlier than he obtained his head round how the Ferrari labored. However then as soon as he obtained his head round it we noticed how robust he was.
“However all people forgets about these first couple of years that he did battle quite a bit and brazenly he stated that he was struggling as nicely. However when he obtained into Williams in Abu Dhabi he appeared to be very form of a house straightaway. Very fast.”
Williams trying to the longer term
On paper, 2024 was disappointing for Williams as they slipped again to ninth within the constructors’ championship.
Whereas their general outcomes have been disappointing, Williams have undergone vital adjustments behind the scenes to organize themselves for the longer term.
One key change has been their design philosophy and the way they develop components – led by boss James Vowles.
Historically, Williams have excelled in low downforce circuits, usually having a peaky automotive, however then struggling on the majority of different circuits.
Herbert is assured Sainz can help Williams’ development within the coming years.
“As we count on in the mean time, Sainz is stuffed with confidence and he’s going to have the ability to use that to one of the best of his skills,” Herbert added.
“It’s an amazing alternative for Williams to have somebody like him on board. Hopefully, they’re going to be creating that a bit of bit extra.
“And Albon, I do know, has come out and stated it’s an vital time for Williams to step up and get themselves in a a lot stronger place, constructors’ and drivers, however he’s going to be that large psychological battle in opposition to Sainz.
“Albon has been capable of rebuild his profession at Williams and has an amazing repute, however now he’s up in opposition to a man that has been actually shining brightly of latest instances. It’s going to be a take a look at for him.
“It’s going to be factor for Sainz as a result of clearly if he’s, and they’re each shut collectively, it may push every driver to be higher than final yr.”
