Sun Sep 15 10:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Williams Drivers Optimistic Ahead of Baku Grand Prix

**Baku, Azerbaijan** – Williams drivers Franco Colapinto and Alexander Albon have expressed confidence ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, after securing their best starting positions of the season during qualifying.

Colapinto, making only his second F1 qualifying session, delivered a strong performance to secure ninth place on the grid. “To achieve Q3 is an amazing feeling for me and the team,” he stated. “The car has been on point, and I’ve been getting more comfortable with it.” He acknowledged a difficult start to the weekend after a crash in FP1, but said he was able to rebuild his confidence and “maximise almost every run” during qualifying.

Albon, starting tenth, was hindered by a late release in Q3 with the air box fan still attached to his car. He managed to stop and remove it himself, but was unable to complete his final lap. Despite this, he remained positive: “We’ve had three Q3’s in a row, and getting both cars through is good. The car is performing well, and the upgrade is working.” He admitted that he wasn’t “that happy” with the car’s performance, but saw this as a positive sign, indicating potential for further improvements in race pace.

Both drivers are confident about their chances in Sunday’s race. Colapinto highlighted the team’s strong progress: “We’re already achieving together, and this is only the start.” Albon, despite the Q3 incident, believes they can “still fight from the top ten”.

The Williams team’s strong performance in Baku comes after a difficult start to the season. This weekend’s results highlight the team’s progress and indicate a promising future for the team as the season progresses.

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