Mercedes trying to "block" Albon from joining Williams: "A few phone calls"

Over the last few days, rumours have suggested that Alex Albon will be going to Williams for the 2021 season. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner seems to confirm talks are in place, but hopes rivals Mercedes "don't block his chance at Williams." 

Albon lost his seat at Red Bull Racing to Sergio Perez ahead of the 2021 season. The British-Thai driver is sitting on the sidelines in F1 this season and Horner hopes that's not the case in 2022.

"We're working hard to get him a seat, I really hope that Mercedes don't block his chance at Williams. They might do that because of his linkage with Red Bull. Hopefully that won't come to play, there's chances at other teams. Our priority is to see him racing next year, but if he can't do that then he'll still be with us in a test and reserve role," Horner told Sky Sports.

A place at AlphaTauri? 

With Perez getting a contract extension, a promotion for Pierre Gasly won't happen as soon as next year. They also seem to want to keep Yuki Tsunoda which limits Albon's options in the junior Red Bull team. Horner sheds light on this. 

"That's something we'd have to speak to Tost about. From our specifctive, our line-up is fixed. Our objective is to see him race for another team, rather than see him on the bench. I think Alfa and Williams are showing a lot of intersest. His preference is Williams. He's had a few phone calls from the team next door telling him not to go there. I told him to ignore them," Horner said.