Albon Tops Williams' Grand Prix Starts: A Walk Down Memory Lane

Alex Albon is poised to become Williams' leading all-time Grand Prix starter as he prepares for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix this weekend. But who are the other drivers who have clocked up the most starts for this storied team? Let's explore the top 10.

10. Keke Rosberg – 61 Grands Prix Keke Rosberg joined Williams in 1982, and amid a turbulent season, clinched the World Championship with just one win but consistent scoring. He stayed with Williams until 1985, leaving after a final victory at the inaugural Australian Grand Prix.

9. Damon Hill – 65 Grands Prix Damon Hill became the unexpected team leader in 1994 after Ayrton Senna's tragic death, narrowly missing out on the title that year. He rebounded to win the championship in 1996, but was replaced by Heinz-Harald Frentzen for 1997, departing as a World Champion.

8. Juan Pablo Montoya – 68 Grands Prix Juan Pablo Montoya burst onto the F1 scene with Williams in 2001, known for his aggressive driving. He claimed his first victory at Monza, but despite being a regular front-runner, his relationship with the team soured, and he left for McLaren after 2004.

7. Nico Rosberg – 70 Grands Prix Nico Rosberg, son of Keke, joined Williams as a rookie in 2006. Despite some strong performances, a win eluded him, and he moved to Mercedes in 2010 after four seasons with Williams.

6. Valtteri Bottas – 77 Grands Prix Valtteri Bottas joined Williams in 2013 and showcased his talent during the team's resurgence in 2014. Although podiums were plentiful, wins were scarce. Bottas was set to become Williams' most frequent starter in 2017, but he moved to Mercedes following Nico Rosberg's retirement.

5. Felipe Massa – 78 Grands Prix Felipe Massa joined Williams in 2014 after leaving Ferrari and found success with several podiums. He initially retired in 2016, but returned for 2017 to fill the gap left by Bottas' departure to Mercedes.

4. Riccardo Patrese – 81 Grands Prix Riccardo Patrese joined Williams in 1987 and became a consistent podium finisher by 1989. Despite being overshadowed by teammate Nigel Mansell, Patrese secured several wins before leaving for Benetton in 1993.

3. Ralf Schumacher – 94 Grands Prix Ralf Schumacher joined Williams from Jordan and secured six victories between 2001 and 2003. However, injuries hampered his later seasons, and he moved to Toyota for 2005.

2. Nigel Mansell – 95 Grands Prix Nigel Mansell is perhaps the most iconic Williams driver, joining in 1985 and clinching the world title in 1992. After a brief departure to race in America, he returned for a handful of races in 1994.

1. Alex Albon – 96 Grands Prix (in Barcelona) Alex Albon joined Williams in 2022, a team in need of rebuilding. His consistent performances and strategic acumen have made him a key figure in the team's resurgence under James Vowles. With his start at Barcelona, Albon surpasses Nigel Mansell's record, cementing his place in Williams' history.

Albon's journey with Williams reflects a blend of adaptation and skill, underscoring a promising future both for him and the team.