ALEX ALBON will race for the Williams F1 team next season after replacing Mercedes-bound George Russell.
London-born Albon, who raced for Red Bull last year, will partner Nicholas Latifi, who remains at Williams.
Albon has spent this year as Red Bull’s reserve and test driver and also won in German touring car series, DTM.
The 25-year-old, who was replaced for this season by Sergio Perez, is delighted to be back in the Formula One grid.
He said: “I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022.
“When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid.
“It’s also been great to see all the progress Williams have been making as a team this year and I look forward to helping them continue that journey in 2022.”
Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, added: “It is fantastic to be able to confirm our driver line-up for 2022 and I am delighted to be welcoming Alex to the team.
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“We are extremely excited by our new line-up, with both drivers bringing a great blend of youth and experience that will not only be a great fit for the team but also help us take the next step in our journey.”
Williams were in need of a new driver after George Russell’s move to Mercedes was confirmed.
Albon’s switch completes the chain of changes on next year’s grid with Valtteri Bottas leaving his Merc to replace the retiring Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
