Williams F1 team announce NEW driver contract in official statement

Williams have revealed that one of their talented young drivers has signed a new contract.

The news comes ahead of this weekend's Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where the British squad will look to end what's been a challenging campaign on a positive note.

F1 HEADLINES: Mercedes release Hamilton statement as Abu Dhabi Ferrari switch confirmed

READ MORE: Axed F1 star given LIFELINE as new seat announced in official statement

James Vowles' outfit heads to Yas Marina Circuit having amassed just 17 points in 2024, placing them ninth in the standings, and above only Sauber who secured their first points in Qatar last weekend.

It was another frustrating race for Williams last time out, with neither driver threatening to improve on their tally.

Franco Colapinto - who replaced Logan Sargeant following the summer break - failed to complete the first lap following a collision on the opening corner, forcing him out of proceedings once again.

His team-mate Alex Albon, meanwhile, was also hampered by an early spin, which put the 28-year-old to the back of the field where he finished the day.

READ MORE: Ferrari DROP Sainz in stunning Abu Dhabi move as Hamilton replacement looms

Williams planning for the future

There remains grounds for optimism however going into 2025, with Ferrari star Carlos Sainz set to team up with Albon on the grid.

The team are also looking to secure their long-term future, and have this week announced that Academy Driver Alessandro Giusti will graduate to F3 with MP Motorsport next year.

Having joined the Academy in January, the French racer has gone on to earn Formula Regional European Championship wins at both Imola and Paul Ricard, as well as delivering a further five podium finishes.

In a statement released on Williams' website, the 18-year-old said: "I’m excited to step up to Formula 3 with MP Motorsport.

READ MORE: McLaren announce driver REPLACEMENT ahead of Abu Dhabi GP

"Our first tests together at Jerez and Barcelona were highly promising which is a good sign for my rookie season in the category.

"It’s my aim to know the team better as we head into the coming season, especially with the new F3-2025 car.

"I can’t wait to make my F3 debut at Melbourne in March.”

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets added: "It’s rewarding to see Alessandro step up to FIA Formula 3 with MP Motorsport after a strong campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship.

"His experience so far demonstrates that he has strong foundations needed to compete in F3 and will be able to maximise this opportunity to rapidly strengthen his skills on-track.

"I look forward to watching him this coming season.”

We're excited to share that Williams Racing Academy Driver Alessandro Giusti will graduate to FIA Formula 3 with MP Motorsport for the 2025 season 👏

Read more at the link below ⬇️

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) December 3, 2024

READ MORE: Aston Martin announce Stroll REPLACEMENT with official team statement

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lewis Hamilton reacts to Ferrari's 'terrible' Japanese Grand Prix: "I couldn't keep up"

• 19 minutes ago

Lewis Hamilton arrives at Japanese Grand Prix side by side with A-list celebrity

• Today 07:07

'It's better to quit': Will Max Verstappen take F1 icon's advice?

• Yesterday 20:55

Lando Norris on brink of FIA penalty after Japanese Grand Prix disaster

• Yesterday 20:18

Toto Wolff on Mercedes rumours: Verstappen latest, 11-year deal for George Russell?

• Yesterday 19:55

Toto Wolff gets into awkward interview with Sky Sports F1 pundit: 'We did a setup twerk'

• Yesterday 18:25