Alex Albon is set to secure his place in Williams folklore this year as the historic team's most prolific Formula 1 driver. Nigel Mansell currently holds the record for the most starts representing the team which first raced in F1 49 years ago. But the 1992 world champion is set to be overtaken at the Miami Grand Prix in May, at which Albon should make his 96th start in Williams colours.

"I'm very honoured," the London-born Thai racer said of the impending milestone. "It feels very surreal to think about. I do think I'm a little bit blessed in the way that we have so many races in a year these days, so it's easier to catch up, let's say. But it is strange to think about."

The landmark will place Albon alongside greats like Damon Hill, Alain Prost and Jacques Villeneuve as a true Williams legend. They all won championships with the team, as did Mansell, though they all did so during a far more successful period for the constructor.

Williams are approaching 30 years since their last title success, Villeneuve in 1997, but there are positive signs after an impressive rise to fifth in the championship last season, following years of driving around at the back of the grid.

Albon, who joined in 2022 after a year out following his Red Bull axe, said: "I've been a part of this project for a while now and I hope it shows the outside world that I'm here to see how it goes, basically. I've seen the ups and downs. The moment I joined this team, the first year was a huge step. I realised we had a big journey ahead of us and we did it last year and it makes me very proud to see that step."

Albon's own development has been impressive, since his return to the grid following 18 difficult months driving alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, having been thrust in at the deep end with just a handful of F1 races under his belt. He has yet to win a race, though, while those who he competed against in karting as a child have already risen to prominence.

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Lando Norris won his first title in December, while George Russell leads Mercedes on track and is the pre-season championship favourite this year. Albon is good friends with both and, despite being older than both - he turns 30 in March - has not given up on following in their footsteps.

The Williams racer said: "I'm proud of Lando and it's amazing to see him get the championship. I think now it'll be George's turn to be able to fight for it, which I'll be excited for. My goals still remain the same. I want to become a Formula 1 world champion. I want to get my first Formula 1 victory. That's still my ambition and I'm still working towards that goal."

He'd love to do it with Williams but, aware of his age and the fact that his current deal expires this year, Albon knows he cannot commit just yet. He said: "It's a huge driver market this year and there's a lot of moving parts. It'll be interesting to see where people go, not just in terms of the people in the paddock now but there's always Formula Two drivers coming through. In many ways, the pecking orders have been completely reset. As teams go and drivers go, there's opportunity everywhere."