Alexander Albon will make his return to Formula 1 in 2022. The former Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing driver will get the chance at Williams as Mercedes-bound George Russell's replacement. Christian Horner is happy with the step his pupil can make.
With the departure of George Russell, a spot became available at Williams. Red Bull sidelined Albon for Sergio Perez at the end of 2020, but did not allow Albon to return to AlphaTauri. In 2021, this resulted in a reserve role for Albon at Red Bull Racing, and a seat in the DTM Championship, but for 2022 a seat in Formula One has been arranged for him at the Williams team.
Opportunity for Albon
"We rate Alex very highly and with our line-up for 2022 fixed, our objective was to help find him a seat in another team where he could gain more F1 mileage and experience and we are delighted to have done that with Williams Racing," Horner revealed in a Red Bull Racing press release.
"Alex has been a hugely valuable asset in his role as our Test & Reserve Driver this year, helping bring performance from the simulator to the car each weekend, but for his career it was important not to spend another season out of an F1 race seat. With his place on the grid next year secured, we are delighted to see him realise this opportunity and we will be following his progress closely."