Alexander Albon is remaining cautious over committing his Formula 1 future to the Williams team as he assesses his options across the grid.
Albon joined Williams last season after spending a year on the sidelines with Red Bull, having been demoted from a race seat at the end of 2020.
His strong performances earned him an extension with the squad and he is currently under contract until the end of next season.
Williams has had a number of positive outings this year, with Albon scoring a duo of seventh places in Canada and Italy to bag all of Williams' 21 points in the 2023 season as rookie Logan Sargeant continues to struggle.
The team currently sits seventh in the Constructors' standings as ex-Mercedes man James Vowles continues to rebuild the team, with Albon an important cog in the wheel as he has morphed into the team leader role.
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The Thai-British driver has reiterated his ongoing commitment to Williams but has asserted he will keep his options open when his current deal ends.
“There’s a balance really. I think being totally honest, I want to see this team and I want to be part of the team that brings this team forward,” he told media including RacingNews365..
“I think the rate of progress that we're having here at Williams and seeing what's happening behind the scenes is great.
“And I'm fully committed to the team until my contract pretty much ends.
“But you raise the point that I am also 27. Although I'm not young, I'm also not old.
“I do feel like good parts of my career, if you take another year [I’m] 28, 29, going on to 30 soon.
“I want to give myself the chance to be able to fight for wins and podiums. And that's really what it comes down to - in that time, can we bring this team to be that team?
“I think I have the confidence in myself to keep to keep myself open.”