Is Alex Albon really no longer an option for Red Bull? Of course he is!
Williams
General
- Ludo van Denderen
It sounded like a potential downer for Red Bull Racing and Mercedes: during the presentation of the new car, team boss James Vowles made it known that Alex Albon also has a contract at WIlliams for 2025. Without mentioning the names of the competition, the message was clear: 'Red Bull, Mercedes, you don't need to knock on the door for Albon. He's ours!' But it is obviously not that simple.
With Lando Norris off the driver's market - secured by McLaren - Alex Albon is being mentioned ever more loudly as a serious candidate to take over Sergio Perez's seat at Red Bull after the upcoming season. Of course, Red Bull have already said the Mexican has every chance of getting the seat, provided he has a good year.
Daniel Ricciardo is also eager for another chance at the Austrian team. Yet the Australian is known to be a favourite of team boss Christian Horner, whose future at Red Bull is uncertain after allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Helmut Marko is reportedly less in favour of putting Ricciardo alongside Max Verstappen again. In the recent past, the external advisor did express his interest in watching Albon's exploits.
Mercedes seeks successor for Hamilton
Mercedes must also look for a new man alongside George Russell following the announced departure of Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz is being linked with the Germans, but Albon's name also comes up regularly. Williams maintains an excellent relationship with Mercedes, because of the power unit deal and, of course, Vowles as a former strategic director at the German team.
The assumption was that Williams had the Thai under contract until the end of 2024, and could therefore freely switch to Red Bull or Mercedes in 2025. It is now clear that Albon has another year ahead of him: "Alex is signed in Williams until the end of 2025. It's not something I've been very public about, because I don't [usually] feel the need to. So, any reports that you're seeing, and there's one in particular - that individual is speculating. At best speculating," Vowles said.
Contracts in Formula 1 mean little
Of course, the Briton also knows that a contract in Formula 1 means little. No doubt Albon has had it written into his commitment that he can move (for a fee) if his position improves. And even if he did not (which is unimaginable), with a bag of money from Red Bull or Mercedes, a lot is suddenly possible.
Significant was also the reaction of Albon himself. The latter refused to rule out a transfer to his old team or Mercedes. He did start with logical words about his ambitions with his current employer: "Ideally, I want that (to be successful) with Williams. I will do everything for that. It is also clear to me that interesting teams want the same drivers in 2025 as in 2026 (because of the regulation changes). That's how it is, but let's see how it will develop."
No adamant 'no' towards Mercedes or Red Bull, no outright 'yes' for Williams. The three teams have all been able to figure that out from Albon's words as well; an ongoing contract or not.