Ever since finishing 5th in the constructors’ championship last in 2017, Williams hasn’t seen much success. Each year they turn up with a newfound vigor but fail to show it in results. Even last year, as Alex Albon drove to the best of his ability, he couldn’t save the team from finishing last in the standings. As he gets a new partner, American rookie Logan Sargeant, the duo looks raring to go. The enthusiasm they showed recently during their livery launch has got fans once again rooting for the English team.
Williams’ launch of their 2023 challenger, the FW45, invited mixed reactions from the fans. While it disappointed some to see next to no change from last year’s livery, others liked the little nuanced change to accommodate for the Duracell branding. But one thing that did not divide fans was their drivers’ enthusiasm to lift the team up.
Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant promise to work together to see Williams excel in 2023
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The launch event was hosted by F1 presenter and journalist Will Buxton. Also present at the event were Albon, Sargeant, junior drivers from Williams’ Driver Academy, and multiple W-Series champion Jamie Chadwick. The senior drivers gave some interviews after the event and one of those was with Formula 1.
Albon spoke about how the car felt faster than the last year’s. He also chalked out some mistakes from the last season that he hopes the team won’t repeat in 2023. Overall, he looked forward to working together with his new teammate and hoped to finish in the midfield at the end of the year.
The livery for our 2023 challenger. Bring on the season 👊#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/Sy79jtMp9w
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 6, 2023
Speaking with F1’s Lawrence Barretto, Logan Sargeant said, “Me and Alex have a really good relationship. I met him at the start of 2022 and he’s always been such an open and helpful teammate. He clearly wants the best for the team, which is really good and someone I’m really looking forward to working with throughout 2023. I think with hopefully both of us looking to push each other forward, that also helps the team push forward.”
Have a look at how fans reacted to the interview.
“I hope the Albon/Sargeant duo is united this season!”
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“I CANNOT WAIT to see what Sargent can do. I hope Williams is a competitive team this year.”
“Best of luck Logan. You couldn’t ask for a better teammate in Alex. He’s put the team performance over anything.”
Alex, notorious for playing around with the color of his hair, turned up with blonde hair for the event. That definitely did not go unnoticed.
“Albon has had more hair color changes than Williams had points last season!”
“I like Albons new livery more than the car’s”
“I always root for williams- maybe not my favorite team but a team I am rooting for to move up”
Logan has definitely garnered a fanbase even before making his debut. His presence will certainly bring in a lot more American fans to the sport.
“so weird to hear an American accent in F1 media. I hope Logan has a great season!”
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“Have big hopes for Sargeant this year. Think he will do better or comparable to Schumacher?”
“I think Williams this season is gonna finish 8th or 7th in Construction Championship”
“It would be cool if logan sergeant some F1 wins back to the US”
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Williams and their drivers will hope James Vowles’ presence will help them get out from the bottom of the table. While expecting a championship challenge would be a stretch, trying to land in the midfield will definitely be a step forward.