Yuki Tsunoda's “magic rap” finished with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver, fifth-qualified for the Australian Grand Prix, was one of the first big surprises of the 2025 F1 season.
The driver who started with him delivered another one.
Alexander Albon puts his Williams FW47 in the third row after a strong qualifying performance and starts the Australian Grand Prix in sixth place. Would you like to add to Williams' “good vibe”? Albon's new teammate, Carlos Sainz Jr., also made it to the third quarter in Melbourne on Saturday, placing 10th.
“We were aiming for the top 10, so the P6 was great and I'm very happy,” began Albon with a qualified report after the team. “We have great cars, they're easy to drive and predictable. This year it feels like a much more driveable car. It's really tough, so this year it's going to be a dogfight mid-game, but this is the perfect place to start.
“Qualifying doesn't even feel like the best bit of a car. It's the pace of the race that we made the biggest improvement,” added Albon. “We did some big things with the gloves, we were paying attention this year, starting with the right weight, and we are in a much healthier place than last year.
“When we see where we were now a year ago, we're in a completely different position. We're very proud of our team today, but there's a good vibe.”
Sainz described his first run with Williams, a qualifying run, as a big “bad,” but shared Albon's cheerful rating.
“First of all, I'm very pleased with the whole team, Alex and myself. It was my first qualifying round with Williams and we achieved our main objective of entering Q3 with both cars,” Sainz began. “The hard work that everyone has done over the winter has been rewarded with great progress and I am proud of my team.
“On my part, to be honest, I was a bit of a poor qualification. But I'm not worried. There's still a lot I need to understand from this car, and I'm sure a better lap will come soon!”
James Bowles, principal of the Williams team, welcomed what he called a “fantasy” day for the entire team.
“What a great day for the team. I'm really happy with Alex, he put in some really great laps and delivered when it matters. I'm disappointed with Carlos – we know there's more to it, but in the end, we didn't run pretty,” Vowles said. “The great news is that it's a good place to start, the weather coming tomorrow will provide plenty of opportunities and teams will update their energy.”
As for the weather, forecasts are seeking storms and rain on Sunday – both Albon and the Sign believe that wet conditions could bring more opportunities for Australia's Grand Prix teams.
“It's raining tomorrow and I've never had a lap on a mid- or wet tire, so let's see what happens,” Albon said.
“Tomorrow, under the rain, I'll have to adapt quickly, but I'm excited about the race,” Sainz said. “We try to maximize every opportunity.
“This is just the beginning!”
