Is the announcement of AlphaTauri also good news for Albon's future?

AlphaTauri has announced that they will stick with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, and oddly enough that could mean good news for Alexander Albon. Will he too be announced today as Williams driver for 2022?

Return of Albon

Red Bull is sticking to the same line-up as they have in 2021 and is therefore opting for stability. After years of constant change this is understandable for Red Bull Racing, but after the disappointing performance of Yuki Tsunoda they were looking at Alexander Albon. Wouldn't he deserve that seat?

Red Bull's management would think so too, because with his Thai nationality Albon naturally has an edge at the top of Red Bull. Tsunoda can't just be pushed aside though, as Red Bull would obviously not be doing their partner Honda any favours by doing so. Especially in the transition phase from Honda to Red Bull engines, Red Bull will be looking for an interim solution.

So it's not surprising that Albon has been linked to Alfa Romeo and Williams in recent weeks. Both teams are looking for a strong new lineup, with a mix of experience and young talent. Albon could fill the gap left by George Russell at Williams, although Toto Wolff would rather see him cut ties with Red Bull. However, this will not happen overnight.

Opportunity at Williams

The fact that AlphaTauri choose to present their line-up on the day of the expected announcements at Alfa Romeo, Mercedes and Williams will be good news for Albon. It's hard to imagine Albon being pushed aside by Red Bull for a second year with Tsunoda performing so poorly. If Albon didn't have a seat at another team, he would probably have taken Tsunoda's place.

There is of course a but, and that could be that Red Bull are still negotiating with Williams, but have no clarity yet. If this is the case, the timing of AlphaTauri's announcement is very strange.