The Grove squad struggled with the ground-effects guidelines revolution in 2022 because it lacked downforce and suffered with poor low-speed steadiness.
That left the crew to prop up the constructors’ championship with simply eight factors, in comparison with 35 for next-worst AlphaTauri in ninth.
However the brand new FW45 has proved extra steady and allowed Albon to financial institution some extent in 10th within the season-opener in Bahrain as rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant impressed with 12th.
PLUS: How did the 2023 F1 rookies fare in Bahrain?
That step ahead, with Sargeant additionally logging the seventh-fastest race tempo, has left Albon to heap reward on Williams for making positive aspects over the winter second solely to Aston Martin, which bagged a podium courtesy of Fernando Alonso in third.
The Anglo-Thai driver stated: “We have been working low downforce, which was even trickier.
“So, to have the tempo we had beneath the circumstances, I’ve to say I’m tremendous proud.
“Everybody I’m certain is wanting on the Aston Martin on the rostrum and considering what a step they’ve carried out. However we’re second.
“The place you have a look at us from final 12 months to this 12 months on this place, 12 months in the past, I’ve to say, we’ve carried out an incredible job.
“In fact, we have been dependable, which helps. However we bought factors on our first race.”
Alex Albon, Williams Racing
Photograph by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
New crew principal James Vowles has already stated Williams is open to sacrificing the development of the 2023 car to be able to carry longer-term success.
However Albon nonetheless reckoned the FW45 may rating factors extra often than its predecessor, which did so on 5 events, saying: “I consider so.
“I wouldn’t have stated so coming into [Bahrain] however after, who is aware of anymore.
“We certified out of place. We should always have certified larger up, for my part.
“It will have made our race quite a bit simpler. However that’s progress.
“I don’t wish to be overly optimistic, however saying that as effectively, the flipside, I do know we’ve bought some stuff for the subsequent couple of races that may actually push us forwards.”
Ex-Purple Bull F1 driver Albon additionally reckoned the crew already knew which areas to focus on to search out quick lap time positive aspects if it sticks to creating the FW45.
He stated: “We have to assess our weaknesses, that’s the primary factor.
“We all know when it comes to downforce stage the place there are benefits.
“Now we have sort of a unique character to most individuals – We’re slippery on the straights and fewer fast on the corners.
“However we’re making it work and I feel we’ve bought to do what’s good for our automotive proper now.
“We nonetheless must dial out some attribute issues – that’s going to take presumably slightly bit longer.
“However for now, the brief time period, we all know the place we will enhance. There’s lap time there. We’re fast and steady.”
