Button praises Albon: "He’s a very mature character"

Alexander Albon will return to the Formula 1 grid as a driver for Williams in 2022. Jenson Button has high hopes for the Thai-British driver and says he has matured a lot.

Straight to Red Bull's main team

Albon entered Formula 1 in 2019 via Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri). Halfway through his first season, the driver was already promoted to Red Bull Racing's main team. There he had to compete against Max Verstappen. Although he posted some nice results in the second half of 2019, the results in 2020 were disappointing except for a few podium finishes.

Albon was sidelined and replaced by Sergio Perez. After a year as a reserve driver at Red Bull, Albon will return to the grid as a regular driver for Williams in 2022. Button believes Albon is the right choice for the British team. "I think he’s a very mature character, I think he has got the pace," the 2009 world champion told Sky Sports F1.

Tough job alongside Verstappen

"I just think alongside Max it was very difficult, and it just shows you that Formula 1 is about fitness, but it’s about mental strength as well," said Button. The former driver expects Albon and Nicholas Latifi to work well together and grow with the team.