He's making his shot count, which can't be said for everyone. With his Argentinian backing too, it puts him in a really strong position moving forward both commercially and on track performance wise.
I think 2027 is most likely. If he doesn’t get the Sauber drive, I could see him doing another year or two in F2 or, full time Williams development/reserve driver and take the reigns from either Albon or Sainz, because I don’t see them staying long unless Williams leap up the field.
@@magnustan841 it would be almost horrible for him returning to f2 after touching the sky. If something is certain in f1, is that this category isnt certain at all...anything can happen from 1 day to the other. Franco beeing discussed for a seat in 2025 after just 3 races is the best example of it...cant even think about whats next.
I think Franco is a blessing in disguise for Alex. He needs someone pushing him to be better, just like how Oscar pushed Lando to step up his game. At the worst case, he's at least good practice before he faces of against Carlos.
@@magnustan841 lando very much still has the pace on oscar, his 20+ second wins have proven that. whats making them look so close at the moment is oscars ability to maintain himself and landos lack there of. if oscar ups the pace then hes gonna do better than lando, but if lando can get better at maintaining himself (which is beginning to happen) then hes still better than oscar.
I think it would be interesting to compare Alex’s results vs Latifi with Russell’s results vs Latifi. Say what you want about Russell but I think we can all agree that he can definitely put in a banging quali lap on his day. Would be interested to see if Alex stepped into that Williams and did worse/better relative to Russell
Alex’s arrival into the team in 2022 coincided with Latifi falling away massively, because Nicky had a pretty decent 2021 and was closer to George than 2020. Alex defiantly demolished him though, don’t get it questioned
I like how you say Verstappen wiped the floor with Albon. Yet on average Albon had a smaller time deficit to Max than Checo has had. If Albon would've came in when Checo did than we would be seeing a whole other story around Albon. He'd be killing it.
Max has been wiping the floor with checo too, he clean swept Albon, gasly and Perez. Albon would likely be doing a better job than Perez, but wouldn’t stay in the seat bc he doesn’t bring in the checo type of money
Exactly. Right now f2 is so unreliable and far away from a true spec series, that it really doesent give a full insigh into the real talent of drivers.
Alex Albon has been doing a great job for Williams but I would say George Russell did much more with a lot less when he was there, and if you rate Russell and Carlos around the same I think Alex is just a bit behind their quality of driver.
The people calling Franco as a junior with an unspectacular F2 career should really reconsider their opinion. Remember: the stats don't tell the full story. Franco was never in the best team during his junior career but he's always had the capability to keep up and even outpace Premas. Perhaps the best example here is against his fellow Williams junior, Zak O'Sullivan. Zak was in a Prema in 2023 Franco was in an MP Zak was dropped midway in 2024 Franco was promoted to an F1 seat in the middle of the season. So, no, I don't agree with the notion that Franco is unspectacular. By extension, I disagree that him being able to keep up with Alex is a sign of Alex's weakness. Rather, I see it as a credit to Franco as an actually competent driver - far more than what the stats suggest.
@@jenko6196 Fair enough I should've included that context. Still though, Zak was the original Williams junior next in line after Logan. If Williams saw greatness in him, he should've been the one popped in the car. Unfortunately for Zak, Franco was picked up by Williams.
@@Redlingstein he doesn’t use Albon’s set up or data, that’s ridiculous. Both sides of the garage have their own setup directions to cater for driver preferences and driving styles. Existing data from Logan and Alex definitely helps, but Franco is also going use tyres, fuel, driver setting etc differently as he has less personal experience. Franco has done a stellar job finding his footing within the team, not sure what point you’re trying to prove here
I think there's two types of drivers and I think Alex and Carlos are the type to drive best when they are in a "I've got nothing to lose" mentality and tend to drive more conservatively and overthinking when they have pressure to deliver. I think most drivers are like that but on different levels. The other type of driver is the ones that thrive on the pressure but need it to keep performing at top level because they get frustrated if there is nothing at stake. I think both types can be world champions but it would take the first type like albon and carlos to actively try to convince themselves that they have to drive like there's nothing to lose always because they tend to do better that way.
I think Carlos and James will get on very well because Carlos is data driven just like Vowels and I can see that being a benefit to the team, having a driver with a similar thought process as the team principal
There's a video of a reunion between Vettel and Webber and Seb tells a story of asking Schumacher how he attacks a particular corner in Suzuka and Schumi said something along the lines of "[shrug] i just drive it". Seb, in retelling the story, still seemed shook by it. Schumi might have had a bit of that relaxed attitude himself than is thought
Exactly! He had a great work ethic in the garage and fitness but I think he was naturally confident about his driving like Hamilton and Verstappen. Vettel never had that natural confidence in my opinion and therefore used more data and also shined in the blown diffuser cars but wasn't really that adaptable.
Not saying he has, but I would think having a performance advantage like he has over Latifi and Sargeant could have made him feel slightly comfortable, and Colapinto is exactly what he needs to “wake him up” in a way. He’s had Kvyat, Verstappen, Latifi, Sargeant, now Colapinto, and in future Sainz as his teammates. He’s had bad (Latifi and Sargeant), amazing (Verstappen), impressive, but solid so far (Kvyat, Colapinto) and will have top 6 on the grid (Sainz), so he has had a fair share of teammates, but I definitely think if he wants to push Sainz and prove himself, he needs to get that “they race me so hard” mentality that kind of came out in Singapore, the “Franco just divebombed” radio at the start out, and make sure he’s maximising his weekends. Not implying he isn’t, could be a possibility, but that’s his story atm I think.
Mate I couldn’t have said it better myself, Sainz is going to be the biggest challenge of Albion’s career, not so much in a skill vs skill sort of way but in a “do you have what it takes” Sainz is a proven race winner and the plan is clear what vowels intends for him at Williams.
At the end of the year At the F1 Gala There should be An annual "Overtake of the Year" award, like the Puskas prizes in football. And Alex fecking Albon in his ex-Latifi Williams in changing conditions Canada wins by a landslide. Sennaesque, say I am I as growing up with Him...❤😊
My thoughts before watching the video: I used to think that Albon was a super underrated driver. I still think he is underrated, but not as much anymore. I started getting into F1 when Abu Dhabi 2021 happened, but completely focusing on it and racing in general, didn‘t happen until Bahrain 2022. So I‘m quite new to all this even tho my life revolves around racing and cars nowadays. The thing is, I had to watch the whole 2022 season to kind of get to know the drivers and how they drive. Since I got into racing and not just only F1, I kind of got a competent enough eye for talent throughout these last 3 seasons. In 2022 I didn‘t know who was underated and so on. After that season, when I knew much more about racing and F1, the 2023 season started and to me, Albon was the most amazing driver, constantly dragging that 2023 Williams into the points. Latifi and Sargeant weren‘t great comparisons since they were really bad, but this to me was like an Alonso/Stroll thing. However, kow that Colapinto is in the seat, and actually races Albon hard, I kind of have to scratch my head, asking myself if I was just delusional and hyped him up more than I should‘ve. Or, Colapinto is just a natural born driver who‘d actually deserve to be on the grid more than anyone else rn. One of these 2 is surely right, but it still disappoints me a little.
@@Thepc425 that gravestone got set when McLaren canned him. Ya’ll just been holding on to a husk of his former self. If anything it’s his little cult that won’t let him rest.
I think people have forgotten the last three weekends for Alex. 1. Baku - Outqualified by Franco, but he didn’t get a final run in q3 because of the airbox mistake, and Bali’s track evolution is insane so he would have defo qualified in front. Went on to finish in front, both drivers had superb races 2. Singapore - Outqualified Franco, had a good start ruined by a silly move (form Franco) and then almost not going around the penalty bollard. Pitted earlier than Franco, becoming the fastest man on track, massively closing the gap, such that after all the pitstops he would have been between 9th and 12th, but retired due to a mechanical failure. Franco had a great race but can’t really compare there. 3. Austin - Both cars did badly in qualifying and then Alex took bad damage in the first corner of the race, effectively ruling him out of contention for any points. He then held up drivers behind to help Franco who converted with a great race. In sprint qualifying Franco did great whilst Alex had a failure preventing him from a second proper lap. Overall: not a race or qualifying session yet where Alex has been beaten by Franco where both cars were working as they should do. Alex has only been beaten when he has had a mechanical failure or damage to his car. People need to chill out.
@@kylianhunter5952it’s the truth. you’re only as good as your last race. guarantee you when Alex gets a clean weekend and survives turn 1 he out performs Franco easily
@@joemiler8645Agree with you Alex's poor luck was the only reason he finished behind Colapinto. However, it is undeniable that Colapinto has performed superbly. It was insufficient to persuade William to fire Albon in favor of Colapinto.
The question to ponder that I'll definitely take away from this, is if there truly are more approaches to being a top 1% performer in any field, and not just the killer mindset. I personally feel you will have success, which again, is a very relative term, if you find what works for you, as a person, and use your qualities to form a schedule and mindset that is sustainable. Think Rosberg, who had to reitire because he pushed himself too far away, from what was sustainable for him. If Alex continues to do his own thing and perfect his own craft, and not be overwhelmed by his teammate's process, and how differently they approach the sport, they will be very close in terms of pace. Good video Tommo.
I agree with what Gunther Steiner said.. a slow team mate can make a fast driver become slower. I think Alex is going through a bit of shock and now adjustment and he will pick up his pace now. but Colapinto is brilliant and is the find of 2024 for sure.
About f3 and f2, DON'T guid your judgement of a driver because of its position in the championship in general, but how do the drivers perform against their teammates; neither f3 or f2 are proper spec series, there are clearly better and worse teams (and f2 is a lottery). Franco demolished their teammates, even his experienced ones.
Because obviouly the more rich your dad is the better the more competitive car you have. Kimi and ollie even being mega millonariars i don’t think they are better than Franco
I have a theory about "race me so hard": think he was specifically talking about the ATs being obstructive when they werent really in a race with him (and who obviously had an interest in showing him up) - it was around the same as the Silverstone race where Gasly ruined his stint on the mediums (about 8 laps if i recall?) and therefore his race desperately trying to keep Albon behind and therefore 'prove' he should step back up. In any case, he's mentally in a very different place now, i dont think he's returning to that outlook
This is easily one of the driver lineups I’m looking forward to most and the one I’m looking out for the most. I think this will be the closest driver pairings next year bar McLaren and Ferrari. As for Colapinto honestly he arguably deserves that seat I think it’s jus the timing so for me I think he deserves a seat for honestly next year but defo 26 (assuming he keeps performing) so I do think Franco has an outside shout for the Audi project seat. Sit back and enjoy the show I think. Let’s see what Alex and Colapinto can do 🍿🍿
as someone who has played sports a lot of my life, when games (or in this case, races) are the closest, you perform your best. that's why title battles are thrilling, and why evenly matched teammates (see rosberg and hamilton, for example) provide great racing. excited to see colapinto and albon push each other, and improve as a result.
time talk about the phenomenon that stand-in and early performances are often better than the driver is long term! yuki did a great first race, de vries, bearman, lawson all the once in a lifetime chances were pretty good races, doesnt mean you are consistently performing in the f1 madness
I think it's just showing the Williams is actually a pretty good car now. Albon definitely needs to up his game. I think it's the same story at Haas as well, Bearman did a similar number to Hulk as Colapinto is doing to Albon. It's starting to look like the Haas is actually a pretty good car as well and maybe Hulks drives are not as super impressive at people were making out to be. Don't get me wrong he's had some solid drives, but people were making it out like he's pushing a tractor into the points but it's simply not the case. Williams and Haas have very solid race cars now, and these teams need to make sure they are getting drivers who are extracting all the potential out.
Indeed a career-defining challenge to Alex (and in a greater extent, to Carlos as well): If Alex outperforms Carlos, then Carlos' career would be in danger ("the Ferrari was what mattered most") and Alex's share would skyrocket If Carlos outperforms Alex, than Alex might be sacked ("he didn't have a real challenge up until now") If they have similar paces, than it's fine for both. We'll see that's the pace the Williams actually delivers, and both drivers are top notch Edit: ok, Tommo's ending basically covered Alex's part of my point 😅
A lot of people seem to forget that Albon was all but guaranteed a win in Austria and Brazil before being taken out. Would've made his season against Max look very different.
I'd have colapinto ahead of him next season already I know contracts probably will stop this happening but there is so much potential and a great mentality already showed in his 3 races the same as harsh as Riccardo has been treated this season he should never have been given place back after Lawson performances
Albon's Red Bull days destroyed his confidence, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't fully recovered yet. Latifi and Sargeant as teammeates weren't great references, so just like us, he doesn't know where he stands, which doesn't help with his confidence. As an Albon fan, I'm glad Sainz will be joining him. It's gonna light a fire under his booty and unlock his full potential. The chances of him getting a podium finish in a williams is slim, but that would be incredible. With Sainz in 2025, Williams might get more sponsors, giving them a better chance. SALBON 2025!
There's one thing that stands out, Alex Albon, Williams driver, should be all over getting/wearing that logo on your cap! AA W. Wood Wood Double A sponsorship asap
I agree with you that other mentalities could cut it at the top because Hamilton also wasn't as obsessive and lived and breathed racing like Schumacher did and Verstappen did, even though you lumped him into that group of people. He relied on natural talent, but who knows, maybe if he had the mentality as Max or Michael, he would've had even more dominant seasons like they had in 2023 and 2002 respectively.
I could see him getting dropped at the end of his contract if Colapinto still performs and does not get picked up by Sauber. I think Colapinto and Sainz would make a great team. You will have Sainz as the experienced driver and Colapinto as the semi-rookie.
As a fellow member of the Albon stan, I don’t have a ton of concern. Alex id imagine is a completely different driver now compared to 2020, I believe he can hold is own against Sainz. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a little behind, because Sainz is different gravy.
More than Colapinto doing a good job, maybe this is a wakeup call to all teams to look at their developing drivers rather than look for old reliables that in the end will no longer achieve anything of value such as Valteri for example
i personally alex needed a push and hes probably gonna be faster for the next 6 races i expect cota to be everyones answer and for franco hes good and alex isnt bad colapinto is just good
great video, not trying to nit pic here but as someone born and raised in Argentina we prefer "argentinian" over "argentine" because its closer to the spanish "argentino"
I think Alex Albon is a very capable driver. For any driver to go in the second seat to Max Verstappen...well, its a tall order. An S Tier #1 driver needs an A Tier #2 driver, who can become an S Tier down the line. Albon did a good job in the second seat at Red Bull, and his move to Williams has been great for a team that's issues are, partially, down to drivers who probably should not have ended up in F1 (I know its not all drivers, but still). Now that Colapinto is there, and Sainz will be coming next year, they do now have 2 good drivers in Williams.
The dig on Lance is slightly wrong. There are more than just Lance who has a secure seat, or at very least would have 100% takers in an event they lose their current seat. I'd say Max, Norris, Piastri, and Charles are in 100% camp. Russell, Alonso, and Ham are in 95% camp. Don't know too much about what went into Sainz's journey to Williams, did other teams show interest, did Sainz take too long to mull over his options, or maybe was something else or a combination of all of it. But Sainz is at the very least in 90% camp.
Alex was always going to become a midfielder after he failed to cut it at Red Bull (for whatever reason) the same way Pierre Gasly did. Sainz has more to lose here. He actually made it to a BIG team and held his own. If he gets beaten by Alex, his stock will tumble significantly.
Absolutely could and would in the right scenario win multiple races. Not someone I'd anticipate winning the Driver's competition without obviously being given the fastest car.
I loved you recongized your bias from the get go, thank you for that it, does not makes your analysis any less valid quite the opposite; you don't see that often. I'm sorry for you, but Colapinto is the beginning of the end for Alex, he never consistently beaten anyone except these two terrible drivers, remember him at RedBull, it was a disaster.
I think Carlos would be better at Williams, Carlos has had more stronger teammates, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Norris and as mentioned in the video Kvyat, but hey even Riccardo had a good CV and everyone thought he’ll outscore Norris so you never know
I expect Sainz to step it up considerably next year because I feel the environment at Ferrari was catered around Leclerc and didn't result in getting the best out of Sainz. That said I assume Albon is very good and it will be close between them. The optimal outcome would be that they push each other while still working together to pull the team up the grid. I mean right now Williams have the 5th/6th best car. If this is the case next year aswell, I expect them to take points off of the top 4 teams consistently which will be huge for both of their careers.
F1 needs to move on more drivers than in earlier years rather than just seemingly letting them hang around. Maybe its time for Perez, Albon, Ocon, Gasly, Yuki, Stroll, etc, to go elsewhere like WEC. I know that Magnussen, Zhoa and Bottas are not on the grid next year (Bottas, maybe).
Ah yes the paradox where Colapinto is a prodigy that deserves a seat in F1 but somehow Albon is bad and doesn't deserve his seat because he is not beating him with several tenths. I know the point people are trying to make but it doesn't really add up. Also it's been 3 races...
Why is noone talking on how these new cars are easier to drive for recent F2 drivers. It's almost like the cars have been developed to be easier to drive. Those experienced drivers struggling came up in a different era. Make F1 harder and allow for newer tech without punishing those for innovative ideas (double diffuser and Brawn). Get rid of a load of the drivers aids. Alex will be OK, he's helping develop the Williams car, Franco has come in with no expectations and little pressure, it's easier to be more relaxed when that's the case.
? what driver aids? as far as I know, power steering is the only aid allowed for the last 10/15 years, most of the grid joined after that regulation, I think only Alonso, Hamilton and perhaps Hulkenberg had some assists in previous eras.
I honestly think Albon did better vs Latifi than Russell but when Latifi is the benchmark it's really hard to judge. I do think Russell has beyond proved himself in Mercedes tho, beating Lewis semi-consistently. Makes you wonder how Albon would do
Man every time someone talks about an hookie going well I'm sad that we don't had the chance to see the guy that won F2 with more than 100 points of advantage race in F1 put Felipe Drugovich in any car and he will show his worth
What annoys me is that everyone esle in the standings above colapinto seems no where near in this converastion for a seat, make me think that f1 teams value little the feeder series
Unfortunately, as much as I’d absolutely love to see them neck and neck…I can only see it being a 1 man show with Carlos and I’ll say the same about Lewis and Charles. It’s going to be Carlos and Charles dominating their team mates and showing that the Lewis deal was a massive mistake in the sport. Yeah they’ll make a tonne of money but real fans don’t care about money, they care about the best performance.
In reality the only person alex will be driving against will be carlos, you cannot compare a driver in a different team because the cars are so different in certain areas
So let's say Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc and Alonso are premier league. Proven. Winners. Who's next? Norris? Russell? Sainz? Albon? Bottas? Take the top four out, who would win the championship? My bets are on Sainz - he's got the race brain AND pace to cope.
I think Alex is gonna live well with being beaten by the "size" of Carlos Sainz. His problem right now, is that a kiddo from Argentina is giving him the shivers!
. Battered Vettel, a 4-time World Champion, in his 1st year at Ferrari while Vettel was already established in that team and was seen as the n°1 . Was clearly better than Verstappen in the first half of 22' until Ferrari screq him over with unreliabilty and poor strategy . Dragged the 2020 Ferrari to places it shouldnt be, including multiple podiums . Overdrove the 23 Ferrari getting poles next to the dominant Red Bull . He bullied Ericsson, a guy that was on his fifth year in F1 and is now perromring really well in Indycar even winning the Indy 500, on his rookie year
The car also plays a role in these discussions of the best drivers, like it or not. It does seem like Charles is really good at working the wheel when the car and the rest of the team is running smoothly. It’s not unbelieveable to me to think that a major reason Charles may not be in that “best” discussion is because of factors outside of his control if you’re going by wins and championships.
If Colapinto continues to drive this superbly, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be on the grid in 2026 at the latest.
He's making his shot count, which can't be said for everyone. With his Argentinian backing too, it puts him in a really strong position moving forward both commercially and on track performance wise.
I think 2027 is most likely. If he doesn’t get the Sauber drive, I could see him doing another year or two in F2 or, full time Williams development/reserve driver and take the reigns from either Albon or Sainz, because I don’t see them staying long unless Williams leap up the field.
I’m hearing from my sources he’s in talks with sauber as we speak
Checo kicked, Sainz to RedBull, Colapinto stays
@@magnustan841 it would be almost horrible for him returning to f2 after touching the sky. If something is certain in f1, is that this category isnt certain at all...anything can happen from 1 day to the other. Franco beeing discussed for a seat in 2025 after just 3 races is the best example of it...cant even think about whats next.
I think Franco is a blessing in disguise for Alex. He needs someone pushing him to be better, just like how Oscar pushed Lando to step up his game.
At the worst case, he's at least good practice before he faces of against Carlos.
That's a good way of looking at it. It's time for him to step up.
@@TommoMcCluskey tommo dont worry alex just had a stinky q3 in singapore hes easily a tenth or more faster
I think Oscar is exposing Lando now, we’ve yet to see him properly step up and show this Aussie who’s the top dog at McLaren.
@@magnustan841 He's behind Lando in all metrics. Oscar is a good driver but he hasn't exposed him
@@magnustan841 lando very much still has the pace on oscar, his 20+ second wins have proven that. whats making them look so close at the moment is oscars ability to maintain himself and landos lack there of. if oscar ups the pace then hes gonna do better than lando, but if lando can get better at maintaining himself (which is beginning to happen) then hes still better than oscar.
I think it would be interesting to compare Alex’s results vs Latifi with Russell’s results vs Latifi. Say what you want about Russell but I think we can all agree that he can definitely put in a banging quali lap on his day. Would be interested to see if Alex stepped into that Williams and did worse/better relative to Russell
That's a good video idea
relative vs latifi alexs margin was larger than russel was against latifi imo latifif couldnt adapt to new regs but alexs 2022 was great
Alex’s arrival into the team in 2022 coincided with Latifi falling away massively, because Nicky had a pretty decent 2021 and was closer to George than 2020. Alex defiantly demolished him though, don’t get it questioned
if albon and sainz are close in terms of performance what does that say about colapinto? how good is this kid?
They’re not close in terms of performance
3 races is a decent sample set, but by the end of the season we should have a really good idea of where he is.
@@Miguel-yf4yc key word being if. We won't know until next year
@@TommoMcCluskey i feel like 2025 could also add to francos stock if he continues to perform the way he has for the remainder of the season
Let’s be honest…Sainz was close to Leclerc and beat a young max, he is much faster than Albon.
I like how you say Verstappen wiped the floor with Albon. Yet on average Albon had a smaller time deficit to Max than Checo has had. If Albon would've came in when Checo did than we would be seeing a whole other story around Albon. He'd be killing it.
Max has been wiping the floor with checo too, he clean swept Albon, gasly and Perez. Albon would likely be doing a better job than Perez, but wouldn’t stay in the seat bc he doesn’t bring in the checo type of money
Yes and you have to remember that albon had a rookie season against him and one season after that
Albon in RB (2020) scoring lower in Standings than Checo in Racing point (2020), still think albon done a better job?
When colapinto went to f1 was 6th in the f2 championship above antonelli
Exactly. Right now f2 is so unreliable and far away from a true spec series, that it really doesent give a full insigh into the real talent of drivers.
And antonelli is mega millonair with a more competitive car. So….
Alex Albon has been doing a great job for Williams but I would say George Russell did much more with a lot less when he was there, and if you rate Russell and Carlos around the same I think Alex is just a bit behind their quality of driver.
I think that's a fair perspective.
The people calling Franco as a junior with an unspectacular F2 career should really reconsider their opinion. Remember: the stats don't tell the full story. Franco was never in the best team during his junior career but he's always had the capability to keep up and even outpace Premas.
Perhaps the best example here is against his fellow Williams junior, Zak O'Sullivan.
Zak was in a Prema in 2023
Franco was in an MP
Zak was dropped midway in 2024
Franco was promoted to an F1 seat in the middle of the season.
So, no, I don't agree with the notion that Franco is unspectacular. By extension, I disagree that him being able to keep up with Alex is a sign of Alex's weakness. Rather, I see it as a credit to Franco as an actually competent driver - far more than what the stats suggest.
I think Zak's money ran out which is why he had to walk away from F2
@@jenko6196
Fair enough I should've included that context.
Still though, Zak was the original Williams junior next in line after Logan. If Williams saw greatness in him, he should've been the one popped in the car. Unfortunately for Zak, Franco was picked up by Williams.
He uses Albons set up and all his braking points, tyre prep, data… Colapinto can’t do any of that himself. Stop comparing them.
@@bonelesswatermelon420no the money simply ran out…and Williams DOES NOT PAY FOR ANY OF THOSE DRIVERS when the money runs out…
@@Redlingstein he doesn’t use Albon’s set up or data, that’s ridiculous. Both sides of the garage have their own setup directions to cater for driver preferences and driving styles. Existing data from Logan and Alex definitely helps, but Franco is also going use tyres, fuel, driver setting etc differently as he has less personal experience. Franco has done a stellar job finding his footing within the team, not sure what point you’re trying to prove here
I know tommo is stressed 😂
😅😅😅
I think there's two types of drivers and I think Alex and Carlos are the type to drive best when they are in a "I've got nothing to lose" mentality and tend to drive more conservatively and overthinking when they have pressure to deliver. I think most drivers are like that but on different levels. The other type of driver is the ones that thrive on the pressure but need it to keep performing at top level because they get frustrated if there is nothing at stake. I think both types can be world champions but it would take the first type like albon and carlos to actively try to convince themselves that they have to drive like there's nothing to lose always because they tend to do better that way.
Been a bit since we saw Tommo (the biggest Albon fan I know) do an Albon video.
I think Carlos and James will get on very well because Carlos is data driven just like Vowels and I can see that being a benefit to the team, having a driver with a similar thought process as the team principal
I don't know what I'm more excited for, Albon/Sainz (two of my absolute faves) or Leclerc/Hamilton. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds!
Always fun to see you and josh uploading on the same day so many times 😂
My Kiwi cousin
and aldas lol
There's a video of a reunion between Vettel and Webber and Seb tells a story of asking Schumacher how he attacks a particular corner in Suzuka and Schumi said something along the lines of "[shrug] i just drive it". Seb, in retelling the story, still seemed shook by it. Schumi might have had a bit of that relaxed attitude himself than is thought
Exactly! He had a great work ethic in the garage and fitness but I think he was naturally confident about his driving like Hamilton and Verstappen. Vettel never had that natural confidence in my opinion and therefore used more data and also shined in the blown diffuser cars but wasn't really that adaptable.
15 months is a long time. It will probably define half of the grids careers 😅
not in the same way it will for alex, that’s the whole point. gold star for trying tho
Not saying he has, but I would think having a performance advantage like he has over Latifi and Sargeant could have made him feel slightly comfortable, and Colapinto is exactly what he needs to “wake him up” in a way. He’s had Kvyat, Verstappen, Latifi, Sargeant, now Colapinto, and in future Sainz as his teammates. He’s had bad (Latifi and Sargeant), amazing (Verstappen), impressive, but solid so far (Kvyat, Colapinto) and will have top 6 on the grid (Sainz), so he has had a fair share of teammates, but I definitely think if he wants to push Sainz and prove himself, he needs to get that “they race me so hard” mentality that kind of came out in Singapore, the “Franco just divebombed” radio at the start out, and make sure he’s maximising his weekends.
Not implying he isn’t, could be a possibility, but that’s his story atm I think.
Mate I couldn’t have said it better myself, Sainz is going to be the biggest challenge of Albion’s career, not so much in a skill vs skill sort of way but in a “do you have what it takes” Sainz is a proven race winner and the plan is clear what vowels intends for him at Williams.
At the end of the year
At the F1 Gala
There should be
An annual "Overtake of the Year" award, like the Puskas prizes in football.
And Alex fecking Albon in his ex-Latifi Williams in changing conditions Canada wins by a landslide.
Sennaesque, say I am I as growing up with Him...❤😊
My thoughts before watching the video:
I used to think that Albon was a super underrated driver. I still think he is underrated, but not as much anymore. I started getting into F1 when Abu Dhabi 2021 happened, but completely focusing on it and racing in general, didn‘t happen until Bahrain 2022. So I‘m quite new to all this even tho my life revolves around racing and cars nowadays. The thing is, I had to watch the whole 2022 season to kind of get to know the drivers and how they drive. Since I got into racing and not just only F1, I kind of got a competent enough eye for talent throughout these last 3 seasons. In 2022 I didn‘t know who was underated and so on. After that season, when I knew much more about racing and F1, the 2023 season started and to me, Albon was the most amazing driver, constantly dragging that 2023 Williams into the points. Latifi and Sargeant weren‘t great comparisons since they were really bad, but this to me was like an Alonso/Stroll thing. However, kow that Colapinto is in the seat, and actually races Albon hard, I kind of have to scratch my head, asking myself if I was just delusional and hyped him up more than I should‘ve. Or, Colapinto is just a natural born driver who‘d actually deserve to be on the grid more than anyone else rn. One of these 2 is surely right, but it still disappoints me a little.
The golf comparison’s were absolutely🔥🔥🔥
Finally a video that’s not about DR3. Thanks Tommo!!
He isn’t even cold in his grave yet let the people live 😭
@@Thepc425 that gravestone got set when McLaren canned him. Ya’ll just been holding on to a husk of his former self. If anything it’s his little cult that won’t let him rest.
I think people have forgotten the last three weekends for Alex.
1. Baku - Outqualified by Franco, but he didn’t get a final run in q3 because of the airbox mistake, and Bali’s track evolution is insane so he would have defo qualified in front. Went on to finish in front, both drivers had superb races
2. Singapore - Outqualified Franco, had a good start ruined by a silly move (form Franco) and then almost not going around the penalty bollard. Pitted earlier than Franco, becoming the fastest man on track, massively closing the gap, such that after all the pitstops he would have been between 9th and 12th, but retired due to a mechanical failure. Franco had a great race but can’t really compare there.
3. Austin - Both cars did badly in qualifying and then Alex took bad damage in the first corner of the race, effectively ruling him out of contention for any points. He then held up drivers behind to help Franco who converted with a great race. In sprint qualifying Franco did great whilst Alex had a failure preventing him from a second proper lap.
Overall: not a race or qualifying session yet where Alex has been beaten by Franco where both cars were working as they should do. Alex has only been beaten when he has had a mechanical failure or damage to his car. People need to chill out.
This is so misleading
@@kylianhunter5952it’s the truth. you’re only as good as your last race. guarantee you when Alex gets a clean weekend and survives turn 1 he out performs Franco easily
@@joemiler8645Agree with you
Alex's poor luck was the only reason he finished behind Colapinto.
However, it is undeniable that Colapinto has performed superbly. It was insufficient to persuade William to fire Albon in favor of Colapinto.
The question to ponder that I'll definitely take away from this, is if there truly are more approaches to being a top 1% performer in any field, and not just the killer mindset.
I personally feel you will have success, which again, is a very relative term, if you find what works for you, as a person, and use your qualities to form a schedule and mindset that is sustainable.
Think Rosberg, who had to reitire because he pushed himself too far away, from what was sustainable for him.
If Alex continues to do his own thing and perfect his own craft, and not be overwhelmed by his teammate's process, and how differently they approach the sport, they will be very close in terms of pace.
Good video Tommo.
I agree with what Gunther Steiner said.. a slow team mate can make a fast driver become slower. I think Alex is going through a bit of shock and now adjustment and he will pick up his pace now. but Colapinto is brilliant and is the find of 2024 for sure.
About f3 and f2, DON'T guid your judgement of a driver because of its position in the championship in general, but how do the drivers perform against their teammates; neither f3 or f2 are proper spec series, there are clearly better and worse teams (and f2 is a lottery). Franco demolished their teammates, even his experienced ones.
Exactly this!!! F2 and f3 are unreliable, and its so obvious.
Because obviouly the more rich your dad is the better the more competitive car you have. Kimi and ollie even being mega millonariars i don’t think they are better than Franco
I have a theory about "race me so hard": think he was specifically talking about the ATs being obstructive when they werent really in a race with him (and who obviously had an interest in showing him up) - it was around the same as the Silverstone race where Gasly ruined his stint on the mediums (about 8 laps if i recall?) and therefore his race desperately trying to keep Albon behind and therefore 'prove' he should step back up. In any case, he's mentally in a very different place now, i dont think he's returning to that outlook
I do agree with that point tbf, but sadly people will hold that against him for the rest of his career.
This is easily one of the driver lineups I’m looking forward to most and the one I’m looking out for the most. I think this will be the closest driver pairings next year bar McLaren and Ferrari. As for Colapinto honestly he arguably deserves that seat I think it’s jus the timing so for me I think he deserves a seat for honestly next year but defo 26 (assuming he keeps performing) so I do think Franco has an outside shout for the Audi project seat. Sit back and enjoy the show I think. Let’s see what Alex and Colapinto can do 🍿🍿
as someone who has played sports a lot of my life, when games (or in this case, races) are the closest, you perform your best. that's why title battles are thrilling, and why evenly matched teammates (see rosberg and hamilton, for example) provide great racing. excited to see colapinto and albon push each other, and improve as a result.
time talk about the phenomenon that stand-in and early performances are often better than the driver is long term! yuki did a great first race, de vries, bearman, lawson all the once in a lifetime chances were pretty good races, doesnt mean you are consistently performing in the f1 madness
Yup cant wait for next year on so soooo many levels so many stroies brewing
I think it's just showing the Williams is actually a pretty good car now. Albon definitely needs to up his game. I think it's the same story at Haas as well, Bearman did a similar number to Hulk as Colapinto is doing to Albon. It's starting to look like the Haas is actually a pretty good car as well and maybe Hulks drives are not as super impressive at people were making out to be. Don't get me wrong he's had some solid drives, but people were making it out like he's pushing a tractor into the points but it's simply not the case. Williams and Haas have very solid race cars now, and these teams need to make sure they are getting drivers who are extracting all the potential out.
William's car was just starting to get better and faster at Sanvoort. Before, It wasn't fast.
Many F2 drivers deserve to be in F1 which says a lot about the F3 and F4 drivers who just don’t have the connections or sponsors 😢
Love the new music in the video!
No way I got some Golf lore in an F1 video.
This is the test for Albon because he will be against a guy who is legitimate top 8 driver
Great video! Thanks a lot!🎉🎉❤❤
Indeed a career-defining challenge to Alex (and in a greater extent, to Carlos as well):
If Alex outperforms Carlos, then Carlos' career would be in danger ("the Ferrari was what mattered most") and Alex's share would skyrocket
If Carlos outperforms Alex, than Alex might be sacked ("he didn't have a real challenge up until now")
If they have similar paces, than it's fine for both. We'll see that's the pace the Williams actually delivers, and both drivers are top notch
Edit: ok, Tommo's ending basically covered Alex's part of my point 😅
2025 is going to be a banger watch for sure
A lot of people seem to forget that Albon was all but guaranteed a win in Austria and Brazil before being taken out. Would've made his season against Max look very different.
Agreed. I really like Alex but people read too much into dominant H2H teammate records so much of that depends on who your teammate is
the golf analogy is mint
Love the content Tommo! That hat is clean 🔥🔥. Send the link if you can.
I'd have colapinto ahead of him next season already I know contracts probably will stop this happening but there is so much potential and a great mentality already showed in his 3 races the same as harsh as Riccardo has been treated this season he should never have been given place back after Lawson performances
Colapinto uses Albons set up and all his braking points, tyre prep, data… Colapinto can’t do any of that himself. Stop comparing them.
What's that song in the background of 9:38? I feel like i've heard it before
6:10 Everyone that watched the 2015 season knows ric was better than kvyat. To say otherwise is to admit you are a stat merchant
Has this become the Tommo Golf Channel? Lol
Albon's Red Bull days destroyed his confidence, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't fully recovered yet. Latifi and Sargeant as teammeates weren't great references, so just like us, he doesn't know where he stands, which doesn't help with his confidence.
As an Albon fan, I'm glad Sainz will be joining him. It's gonna light a fire under his booty and unlock his full potential.
The chances of him getting a podium finish in a williams is slim, but that would be incredible. With Sainz in 2025, Williams might get more sponsors, giving them a better chance. SALBON 2025!
to be quite honest with the lowkey clickbaiting title, I think the next 15 months will define every F1 driver's carreer
It's highly likely we'll get a new F1 world champion next year which is probably more defining than being in a Williams 😂
I dont think it's clickbait at all.
There's one thing that stands out, Alex Albon, Williams driver, should be all over getting/wearing that logo on your cap! AA W. Wood Wood Double A sponsorship asap
The multiple times champions are the ones who have both the talent and determination.
Hi Tommo!
New Tommy let’s go
2:55
Ritomo Miyata is the perfect example
I agree with you that other mentalities could cut it at the top because Hamilton also wasn't as obsessive and lived and breathed racing like Schumacher did and Verstappen did, even though you lumped him into that group of people.
He relied on natural talent, but who knows, maybe if he had the mentality as Max or Michael, he would've had even more dominant seasons like they had in 2023 and 2002 respectively.
I could see him getting dropped at the end of his contract if Colapinto still performs and does not get picked up by Sauber. I think Colapinto and Sainz would make a great team. You will have Sainz as the experienced driver and Colapinto as the semi-rookie.
As a fellow member of the Albon stan, I don’t have a ton of concern. Alex id imagine is a completely different driver now compared to 2020, I believe he can hold is own against Sainz. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a little behind, because Sainz is different gravy.
More than Colapinto doing a good job, maybe this is a wakeup call to all teams to look at their developing drivers rather than look for old reliables that in the end will no longer achieve anything of value such as Valteri for example
Great video
i personally alex needed a push and hes probably gonna be faster for the next 6 races i expect cota to be everyones answer and for franco hes good and alex isnt bad colapinto is just good
He uses Albons set up and all his braking points, tyre prep, data… Colapinto can’t do any of that himself. Stop comparing them.
great video, not trying to nit pic here but as someone born and raised in Argentina we prefer "argentinian" over "argentine" because its closer to the spanish "argentino"
Argentiniano jajaja
I wonder How much of the success of these “rookie sensations” can be attributed to the dunning-Kruger effect
I think Alex Albon is a very capable driver. For any driver to go in the second seat to Max Verstappen...well, its a tall order. An S Tier #1 driver needs an A Tier #2 driver, who can become an S Tier down the line. Albon did a good job in the second seat at Red Bull, and his move to Williams has been great for a team that's issues are, partially, down to drivers who probably should not have ended up in F1 (I know its not all drivers, but still). Now that Colapinto is there, and Sainz will be coming next year, they do now have 2 good drivers in Williams.
franco must be in one of the williams in 2026
Ngl Sainz to Williams and Ocon to Haas are F1 Game-levels of crazy driver switches
Nice Psychology lesson
The dig on Lance is slightly wrong. There are more than just Lance who has a secure seat, or at very least would have 100% takers in an event they lose their current seat. I'd say Max, Norris, Piastri, and Charles are in 100% camp. Russell, Alonso, and Ham are in 95% camp. Don't know too much about what went into Sainz's journey to Williams, did other teams show interest, did Sainz take too long to mull over his options, or maybe was something else or a combination of all of it. But Sainz is at the very least in 90% camp.
Alex was always going to become a midfielder after he failed to cut it at Red Bull (for whatever reason) the same way Pierre Gasly did. Sainz has more to lose here. He actually made it to a BIG team and held his own. If he gets beaten by Alex, his stock will tumble significantly.
I'd argue it's about the same amount of pressure on Carlos too
Indeed. Both their futures will be analysed if one comfortably outpaces the other
Absolutely could and would in the right scenario win multiple races. Not someone I'd anticipate winning the Driver's competition without obviously being given the fastest car.
Thanks for the chat. Where did you get your hat?
Wood Wood 👍
@@TommoMcCluskey How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Merch drop when brother?? Also is that a alex albon/williams hat?
like James would say, "Alex is good, but not special".. Franco is..
I loved you recongized your bias from the get go, thank you for that it, does not makes your analysis any less valid quite the opposite; you don't see that often. I'm sorry for you, but Colapinto is the beginning of the end for Alex, he never consistently beaten anyone except these two terrible drivers, remember him at RedBull, it was a disaster.
Why is the volume so low in this video?
gran turismo music at the beginning?
I think Carlos would be better at Williams, Carlos has had more stronger teammates, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Norris and as mentioned in the video Kvyat, but hey even Riccardo had a good CV and everyone thought he’ll outscore Norris so you never know
I expect Sainz to step it up considerably next year because I feel the environment at Ferrari was catered around Leclerc and didn't result in getting the best out of Sainz.
That said I assume Albon is very good and it will be close between them.
The optimal outcome would be that they push each other while still working together to pull the team up the grid.
I mean right now Williams have the 5th/6th best car. If this is the case next year aswell, I expect them to take points off of the top 4 teams consistently which will be huge for both of their careers.
Tommo golf podcast?
F1 needs to move on more drivers than in earlier years rather than just seemingly letting them hang around. Maybe its time for Perez, Albon, Ocon, Gasly, Yuki, Stroll, etc, to go elsewhere like WEC. I know that Magnussen, Zhoa and Bottas are not on the grid next year (Bottas, maybe).
Ah yes the paradox where Colapinto is a prodigy that deserves a seat in F1 but somehow Albon is bad and doesn't deserve his seat because he is not beating him with several tenths. I know the point people are trying to make but it doesn't really add up. Also it's been 3 races...
My boy Franco deserves a seat😫🙏
He uses Albons set up and all his braking points, tyre prep, data… Colapinto can’t do any of that himself.
Unless a better team fetches Alex, it's him and Sainz for how long Williams can keep them. Colapinto may have his shot someday.
Why is noone talking on how these new cars are easier to drive for recent F2 drivers. It's almost like the cars have been developed to be easier to drive. Those experienced drivers struggling came up in a different era. Make F1 harder and allow for newer tech without punishing those for innovative ideas (double diffuser and Brawn). Get rid of a load of the drivers aids.
Alex will be OK, he's helping develop the Williams car, Franco has come in with no expectations and little pressure, it's easier to be more relaxed when that's the case.
? what driver aids? as far as I know, power steering is the only aid allowed for the last 10/15 years, most of the grid joined after that regulation, I think only Alonso, Hamilton and perhaps Hulkenberg had some assists in previous eras.
Come on Albono let's pick up your 2023 form again
I honestly think Albon did better vs Latifi than Russell but when Latifi is the benchmark it's really hard to judge. I do think Russell has beyond proved himself in Mercedes tho, beating Lewis semi-consistently. Makes you wonder how Albon would do
I think Latifi struggled much more with the 2022 car
🐝
Golf podcast?
Alex won rookie of the year for 2019. Battering was expected...Pierre was squashed.
Man every time someone talks about an hookie going well I'm sad that we don't had the chance to see the guy that won F2 with more than 100 points of advantage race in F1 put Felipe Drugovich in any car and he will show his worth
10:28 so the opposite of George Russel... lolololol
Any Goerge hate will not be accepted
What annoys me is that everyone esle in the standings above colapinto seems no where near in this converastion for a seat, make me think that f1 teams value little the feeder series
Unfortunately, as much as I’d absolutely love to see them neck and neck…I can only see it being a 1 man show with Carlos and I’ll say the same about Lewis and Charles. It’s going to be Carlos and Charles dominating their team mates and showing that the Lewis deal was a massive mistake in the sport. Yeah they’ll make a tonne of money but real fans don’t care about money, they care about the best performance.
In reality the only person alex will be driving against will be carlos, you cannot compare a driver in a different team because the cars are so different in certain areas
So let's say Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc and Alonso are premier league. Proven. Winners. Who's next? Norris? Russell? Sainz? Albon? Bottas? Take the top four out, who would win the championship? My bets are on Sainz - he's got the race brain AND pace to cope.
I think Alex is gonna live well with being beaten by the "size" of Carlos Sainz. His problem right now, is that a kiddo from Argentina is giving him the shivers!
Luckily, this channel didn't overrun by Colapinto Argentina fans.😅
If you want to know what it's like, try making a car-swapping theory clip.😂
Having leclerc in the same tier as max and Hamilton is wild ngl what’s he done to put himself there
. Battered Vettel, a 4-time World Champion, in his 1st year at Ferrari while Vettel was already established in that team and was seen as the n°1
. Was clearly better than Verstappen in the first half of 22' until Ferrari screq him over with unreliabilty and poor strategy
. Dragged the 2020 Ferrari to places it shouldnt be, including multiple podiums
. Overdrove the 23 Ferrari getting poles next to the dominant Red Bull
. He bullied Ericsson, a guy that was on his fifth year in F1 and is now perromring really well in Indycar even winning the Indy 500, on his rookie year
He is easily the best driver without a championship
The car also plays a role in these discussions of the best drivers, like it or not. It does seem like Charles is really good at working the wheel when the car and the rest of the team is running smoothly. It’s not unbelieveable to me to think that a major reason Charles may not be in that “best” discussion is because of factors outside of his control if you’re going by wins and championships.
you will find out next year how fast Leclerc is when he beats Hamilton. And Ham wont even have a wiff of it in qualy, just wait
@@1greenMitsi I wouldn’t be surprised if he does, but he hasn’t yet so he shouldn’t be compared to them yet.
What’s the song at 1:55?
This is not going to end well for Albon. I’m certain Sainz is going to outperform him next year.