The 30-year-old equalled Nigel Mansell’s long-standing record of 95 Grand Prix starts for Williams in Monaco, with his 96th start for the team coming this weekend in Spain.
To mark the occasion, Albon will run a special-edition helmet designed as a modern tribute to Mansell’s iconic 1992 championship-winning lid in the blue, white and red Williams colours.
The milestone will be further celebrated in Hungary next month, where Albon will complete his 100th Grand Prix start for Williams, becoming the first driver to reach the century figure for the iconic team.
Albon said he was honoured to be breaking the record.
“It is incredible to think that I’ve raced for this historic team more often than one of the true greats of the sport,” Albon said.
“Nigel Mansell was an inspiration to me growing up, a true fighter and a legend for both Williams and Formula 1 as a whole.
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“This achievement is about far more than the number itself. Every grand prix start over the last five seasons represents the hard work of the entire team at Grove.
“Through the highs and lows, every race has contributed to the journey Williams has been on.”
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Albon has become a central figure in Williams’ rebuild since joining the team in 2022, scoring 121 points and regularly delivering strong midfield results, with a highest drivers’ championship finish of eighth achieved last season.
He is one of only 13 drivers to have driven for the team to reach a century of points, and only the third to start more than 90 Grands Prix for the team, alongside Mansell and Ralf Schumacher.
Team principal James Vowles said the achievements reflect the consistency and commitment behind the scenes at Grove.
“Records like this don’t happen by accident – they’re the result of years of hard work, trust, and belief on both sides,” Vowles said.
“I am immensely proud of Alex and everything he has achieved with this team.
“He has earned his place in Williams history, and we’re proud to celebrate these milestones together.”
Mansell said he was happy to see Albon reach such a historic achievement for the team.
“I’m so pleased to see Alex reach this milestone – it’s a really special achievement and one he thoroughly deserves,” he said.
“The commitment he has shown to Williams over these past five seasons says everything about him as a driver and as a person.
“And it’s not just Alex – the whole team is moving in the right direction, and that’s brilliant to see.
“I have no doubt he’ll go on to make many, many more appearances in Williams colours.
“As for my wins record – I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Mansell’s 28 wins for Williams remains the benchmark figure for the team, with Damon Hill (21), Jacques Villeneuve (11) and Alan Jones (11) the only drivers to reach double-digit victories for the squad.
Speaking on the impending milestone to Speedcafe last year, Albon said the run of appearances highlighted the team’s wider trajectory since he joined.
“The biggest thing, it reminds me of the journey,” he told Speedcafe in Abu Dhabi.
“Williams was the team that gave me my first opportunity back in 2022, and was the team to trust me in kind of being that person that could bring them back up to the front,” he said.
“I’m very proud to see where we’ve come, where we’ve moved to. And it gives me a lot of optimism towards the future as well.
“I feel like we’re on the right path. I’m very much a part of this journey as every other team member, I feel almost a responsibility in it in many ways as well.
“To think of myself along the likes of, you know, Nigel and Ralf, feels strange to say.
“I think we’re in a different journey as a team to back then, but very proud and I think kind of shows as well that I believe in this project to be here for so long.”
Williams come to Barcelona off the back of a tricky start to the 2026 season, with the team in eighth place in the constructors’ championship on eight points.
The track was the scene of their last victory in F1, achieved by Pastor Maldonado in 2012.
2026 F1 Barcelona Grand Prix – Schedule, how to watch, TV times & more
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