Vowles feared losing Albon and Sainz before Williams renewals

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Williams team principal James Vowles has admitted he was concerned the Formula One team could lose both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz before the drivers committed their futures to the former champions.

Vowles made the revelation ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix after Williams announced new contracts for both drivers this week, describing the extensions as “incredibly important” at a time when the team’s fortunes have taken a sharp downturn.

Williams finished fifth in last year’s constructors’ championship but have struggled for consistency this season and currently sit ninth in the 11-team standings with just 11 points. Sainz has contributed six points, while Albon has scored five.

The futures of both drivers had attracted attention amid Williams’ difficult campaign. Sainz, a four-time Formula One race winner during his time with Ferrari, had been linked with a possible move to Audi before agreeing a multi-year extension with Williams.

The Spaniard said on Thursday that he had taken his time to evaluate the team’s situation before making his decision, insisting he was not someone who would immediately seek an exit whenever results deteriorated.

Albon, meanwhile, has now reached 100 race starts with Williams and faced fewer obvious alternatives in the driver market. The Thai-British driver has therefore agreed to remain with the team on a one-year extension.
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