The Williams Racing driver swapped the paddock for a Springbok jersey as he spent the day connecting with South African F1 fans.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 July 2026) – Formula 1 star Alex Albon may have spent less than a day in South Africa, but it was more than enough time for the Williams driver to leave with a lasting impression.
The Thai-British racer shared a series of photos from his visit on social media, showing himself embracing South African culture in a Springbok jersey, meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa and taking in some of the country’s iconic sights.
“10 hours in South Africa, just enough time to see how beautiful this country and their people are. Thank you for the lovely welcome, I can’t wait to come back!” Albon wrote.
His visit formed part of a promotional tour with Williams Racing and Super Group, following a month-long Formula 1 roadshow that brought the team’s show car to fans in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.
For motorsport fans, the trip carried a special significance. Albon became the first active Williams Formula 1 driver to visit South Africa since Alain Prost’s famous victory at the Kyalami Grand Prix in 1993. The visit also stirred up memories for the Williams driver, who revealed that he briefly lived in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, as a youngster during the late 1990s.
During his meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the pair discussed South Africa’s rich motorsport heritage and the possibility of Formula 1 one day returning to local shores.
Although his stopover was brief, South African fans certainly made sure it was memorable. And the fact that he proudly pulled on a Springbok jersey it’s safe to say Albon got a proper taste of Mzansi hospitality.
He leaves with thousands of South African fans hoping it won’t be long before he returns or perhaps next time for a Grand Prix on African soil.
Megon Cared for Both Her Parents. Now It’s Her Turn to Be Cared For
'I'm Struggling With Two!' – Student in Awe of One-Armed Ceramics Lecturer
by 
