Williams team principal James Vowles had been saying since his arrival at the start of 2023 that his aim was to effect a transformation so they would make a significant step with the introduction of this season’s wide-ranging regulation change.

Instead, the team have slipped backwards and are ninth in the championship after 11 races this season, before the resumption of racing this weekend following the sport’s summer break.

Albon’s decision at least partially reflects a lack of convincing options elsewhere on the grid.

The top four teams did not have drives available to him, which left him with options only to move to other teams in the sport’s midfield.

In that context, he has decided to commit to Williams and trust that the changes Vowles has made following this year’s difficulties will work rather than risk the uncertainties of another option.

A one-year deal leaves him flexibility should 2027 not provide the step forward for which the team are hoping.

Vowles said: “Alex has been a leader of this transformation project since day one and we have plenty of unfinished business that we are determined to achieve.

“Alex is one of the best drivers on the grid and knows better than anyone the enormous improvements we have made in recent years – re-signing him shows the belief we both have in the direction we are heading.”