Because everyone is assuming that Hamilton will sign up with Mercedes, only one seat remains free at the top teams for next season. Alexander Albon is anything but sure of his place at Red Bull Racing.
The names most frequently mentioned in recent months are Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, two experienced people who will be out of work in 2021. Both drivers have been driving all of their Formula 1 careers in the midfield and would therefore like to take a step forward and drive for a top team.
Perez will possibly take a year off
Perez is therefore not secretive about his wishes. He has set his sights entirely on that second seat at Red Bull Racing. "There is only one option," the Mexican said at the press conference in Bahrain to Formule1.nl and others. "As I've said before, I want to go to a nice project."
Although Perez does not specifically mention Red Bull Racing and leaves open the possibility of a seat with another team, all seats on the other teams are realistically taken.
"I am clear about what I want, Plan A has continued in Formula 1. Plan B is a sabbatical. If I don't find a seat in Formula 1 for next year, I'll just stop racing for a year."