Team principal James Vowles made the call to fast-track an update package that wasn’t originally intended for Montreal, and the factory managed to produce enough new parts for Albon’s car.
In addition, Albon was given a brand new Mercedes power unit in the search for an extra edge over the weekend.
A brilliant strategy call saw Albon fastest on slicks on a drying track in the Q2 session, and after starting ninth he used a one-stop strategy as he moved up to seventh and used all his racing know-how to keep rivals behind.
“I can't thank the team enough,” said Albon when asked about his race by Autosport. “I've been at the factory the last two weeks quite a lot, in terms of simulator work but also with James.
“I can't tell you how much of a part deficit we were at after Barcelona, we were on the edge, and we decided to fast-track the upgrade into Canada.
“The people at the factory, composites and everyone; actually James and I went to meet them and discuss with them how we've got to try and get this update ready for Canada, because it's going to be our only chance possibly until one of these Monza races come along.
“And the guys worked absolutely flat out to get it ready, and it was great to be able to put it on the car.
“We put a new PU in even this weekend, we put everything into this weekend, actually a bit of pressure in some respects coming into the weekend to deliver. And we did, so I'm very happy.”
Source: Autosport