Williams back Albon to emulate "leader" Russell

Williams CEO and team principal Jost Capito has backed Alex Albon to emulate George Russell at the team in 2022.

Russell leaves the Grove-based outfit to join world champions Mercedes after helping to mould Williams into a points-scoring team across three seasons.

Max Verstappen's former Red Bull team-mate, Albon, was drafted in to replace the Mercedes-bound driver alongside Nicholas Latifi as the team looks to take advantage of the momentum gained by finishing eighth in the constructors' to make a quick start in the new era of F1.

Asked by GPFans if the team was losing a leader in Russell despite the Briton having only three years of F1 experience under his belt, Capito replied: "Definitely.

"I think we're losing a team leader and he grew into that role over the three years.

"He's such a strong personality and such a fantastic driver that I'm sure he will lead every team he will ever drive for, maybe not right from the beginning, but he develops himself in that position and he's absolutely great in this.

"He's a great counterpart for every team principal to develop the team further.

"With that, I'm sure we are losing a really great team leader, but I'm also convinced with Alex we get a really good driver who can develop himself into the same role."

On what sold Albon to him given other drivers available at the time included Formula E champion Nyck de Vries and F2 champion Oscar Piastri, Capito explained: "He's very team orientated.

"I think if you're a Formula 1 driver, you have to have a big ego, but it's still very balanced and he's very interested, very hungry to race again, and I think his personality matches with the Williams family personality and family behaviour.

"I think Williams can get the best out of Alex."

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