Alex Albon to break Nigel Mansell record starts as a Williams F1 driver this weekend in Barcelona
F1 NewsWednesday, 10 June 2026 at 13:40
Alex Albon will become the most-capped driver in Williams history at this weekend's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, surpassing Nigel Mansell's long-standing record and marking another milestone in a season that will also see the Thai driver reach 100 starts for the legendary Formula 1 team.
Albon equalled Mansell's tally of 95 race starts for Williams at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished eighth after climbing from 11th on the grid to score four points.
The 30-year-old will make his 96th start for the Grove-based team in Spain, moving clear of 1992 world champion Mansell and becoming the driver with the most Formula 1 race appearances for Williams.
To commemorate the occasion, Albon will race with a special helmet inspired by Mansell's iconic championship-winning design from 1992.
The achievement underlines Albon's growing place in Williams' history as the team approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027: "It is incredible to think that I've raced for this historic team more often than one of the true greats of the sport.
"Nigel Mansell was an inspiration to me growing up, a true fighter and a legend for both Williams and Formula 1 as a whole. This achievement is about far more than the number itself. Every Grand Prix start over the last five seasons represents the hard work of the entire team at Grove."
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"Through the highs and lows, every race has contributed to the journey Williams has been on. To have my name alongside legendary Williams drivers such as Nigel, Damon Hill, and Ralf Schumacher is a real privilege and a source of immense pride," declared Albon.
Albon is also set to reach another landmark later this season when he makes his 100th Formula 1 start for Williams at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Fewer than 30 drivers in Formula 1 history have reached a century of starts with a single constructor, placing the achievement among the sport's more exclusive milestones.
Since joining Williams in 2022, Albon has become a central figure in the team's rebuilding effort. He has scored 121 points for the team and recorded several fifth-place finishes as Williams continues its push towards the front of the grid.
Team principal James Vowles said Albon's record reflected both consistency and commitment: "Records like this don't happen by accident - they're the result of years of hard work, trust, and belief on both sides."
Mansell and Vowles back Albon to add to tally
"I am immensely proud of Alex and everything he has achieved with this team. He has earned his place in Williams history, and we're proud to celebrate these milestones together," Vowles said.
Mansell, who won the Drivers' Championship with Williams in 1992 and remains one of the team's most celebrated figures, welcomed Albon's achievement: "I'm so pleased to see Alex reach this milestone - it's a really special achievement and one he thoroughly deserves.
"The commitment he has shown to Williams over these past five seasons says everything about him as a driver and as a person. And it's not just Alex - the whole team is moving in the right direction, and that's brilliant to see.
"I have no doubt he'll go on to make many, many more appearances in Williams colours. As for my wins record - I wouldn't rule anything out," Mansell said.
Albon's record-breaking start in Barcelona comes as Williams continues to build momentum under Vowles, with the team hoping its most experienced current driver can help lead the next chapter of its revival.
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