Thai racing driver Albon joins Williams to return to F1 in 2022

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thai racing driver Alex Albon will return to Formula 1 in 2022 after securing a deal to race with Williams, the motor-racing contest confirmed on Wednesday.

"Alex Albon will return to F1 with Williams in 2022! He will team up with Nicholas Latifi, who retains his seat," the F1 said on Twitter.

In a statement, it said the two-time podium finisher has been pushing for a racing return outside the Red Bull family for several months.

"I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022," Albon said in a press release. "When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid."

"It’s also been great to see all the progress Williams have been making as a team this year and I look forward to helping them continue that journey in 2022," he added.

Latifi welcomed Albon to Williams, calling him "a great guy and a good fit for the team."

"We’ve always got on well off track, but most importantly I know we’ll push each other on track," he said in a statement.