Albon misses DTM final at Norisring

Alexander Albon will not drive during the season finale of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) this weekend at the Norisring, reports Motorsportweek.com. New Zealander Nick Cassidy will replace Red Bull's Thai reserve driver.

The initial plan was for Albon and Cassidy to alternate places in the AlphaTauri AF Corse team. Cassidy would then take over Albon's seat when a DTM race conflicted with Albon's duties as Red Bull reserve driver. Because Albon had a chance at the title earlier in the season he was allowed to participate in the DTM race on the Red Bull Ring during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Albon is fifth in the DTM championship with 130 points. The Thai has taken one victory this season, at the Nurburgring, and has finished on the podium three times. Liam Lawson is the leader in the championship and is engaged in the title fight with the South African driver Kelvin van der Linde.

After a year's absence, Albon will return to the F1 grid in 2022. He will make the switch to Williams next season as a replacement for George Russell, who is leaving for Mercedes. Albon drove for Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing in 2019 and 2020. This season Albon had to make way for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing.