Defintive end to Albon chapter at Red Bull and AlphaTauri

Alexander Albon was always part of Red Bull Racing's junior programme until this year, but that came to an end when he extended his contract at Williams in early August. A return to Red Bull or AlphaTauri is also out of the question as a result, Helmut Marko explained. It means good news for Nyck de Vries.

When Albon came to drive for Williams in early 2022, there was much talk of a clause that would allow Marko to bring him back to the in-house stable. Should a spot suddenly become vacant, for example, Albon could be designated for it. For 2023, that possibility is no longer in the cards.

Marko told Motorsport-Magazin.com:"Williams had an option, and they have lifted it." It means Albon is now a Williams driver and there are no longer any ties with Red Bull. The British Thai signed a multi-year contract with the Grove-based racing stable last summer. Interested parties will have to come up with a hefty sum to release Albon in the interim.

De Vries in pole position for AlphaTauri seat

Albon, because he is already confirmed at Williams for 2023, was not really linked with a return to AlphaTauri. Still, it would have made sense for Marko to have chosen Albon as a replacement for Pierre Gasly's departure to Alpine. At the team, they know Albon well and he is making a very good impression at Williams. However, Albon is not available and so Colton Herta was looked at. However, the IndyCar driver does not have a super licence and so Marko ended up with Nyck de Vries.