After testing the 2026 Williams in the simulator, Albon believes he has found the key to the new regulations

With October just around the corner, all teams are focusing almost entirely on the 2026 season. Williams is one of the first to do so, and its drivers are already working with the new car in the simulator.

Not for nothing, next year marks the beginning of a new regulatory period that breaks almost completely with the current one. A very different car in all its areas that will pose a huge challenge to both engineers and drivers.

"It's difficult to achieve that consistency. Right now, we're basically learning how it works"

Albon is already working with the Williams FW48 in the simulator

Several drivers on the grid had their first virtual contact with the 2026 season car months ago. But it is now that the simulator work is focusing almost entirely on it.

Alexander Albon focused on this after the Italian Grand Prix held in Monza at the beginning of September and is very clear that the new car will be quite a challenge for the drivers. Although not for its grip or aerodynamics, but for the power unit.

"After Monza, I drove next year's car in the simulator. But even so, it wasn't easy. It's very mentally demanding right now. Mainly, you have to understand how to be efficient with the engine", points out the Thai driver.

"Maybe the team just wants to keep my expectations low. For example, they let me drive at Silverstone. Those are basically the worst circuits in terms of energy consumption. So I understand what it's about," adds Carlos Sainz's teammate.

Energy management is key

Alex Albon refers to the need to manage the energy provided by the electric part of the 2026 hybrid engine. Although its base is the same as the current one, a hybrid turbocharged V6 block, the fact of tripling the electric power poses extreme difficulties, as in several circuits the battery will not be able to cover the entire lap.

Not only that, but the driver's intervention will be crucial, as they will have to decide how and in what way to use the available energy. "Where teams will really make a difference is in how they design this system. It has to be intuitive and consistent for the driver", states Alexander Albon.

"It's difficult to achieve that consistency. Right now, we're basically learning how it works. Any team that can provide the driver with a setup that allows them to exploit 99% of their potential will have excellent performance", he concludes, convinced that this area will be very relevant in 2026.

Fuente: Motorsport-magazine.comFotos: Williams Racing