Russell spent three years at Williams at the start of his F1 career before switching to Mercedes full-time for 2022, with his close friend Albon his replacement as the Mercedes engine customer's lead driver.
Williams has been struggling following years of underinvestment but, empowered by new owners Dorilton, former Mercedes man James Vowles has been overhauling the team to return it back to the front of the midfield.
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Not unlike last year, the team's efficient, lower-downforce F1 car has been excelling at low-downforce circuits but less impressive on tracks were high loads are required.
However, at Zandvoort, Albon and rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant have bucked that trend, with Albon qualifying fourth and Sargeant tenth following a Q3 crash.
"I'm really pleased to see [Albon] up there and it goes to show when you get your confidence how that can really transform the performance," Russell said.
"Williams is making a huge amount of progress at the moment and I think James Vowles is having a really positive impact there.
"I think he's definitely the best man for the job for what Williams need at the moment for their resurgence.
"It's great to see more than just the top teams fighting and that's what we want in Formula 1, we want everybody to have a chance if they do a good job."
Source: Autosport