Red Bull has reportedly made an effort to secure priority on Alex Albon’s future in Formula 1 by proposing an option on the services of the Williams driver. Albon has emerged as a strong contender for top-level drives in recent times after impressing since his return to F1 with Williams two years ago. The Anglo-Thai driver played a key role in Williams’ rise to seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship last season, scoring all but one of the team’s 28 points. With Lewis Hamilton’s surprise move to Ferrari in 2025 creating a vacancy at Mercedes, Red Bull is said to have offered Albon a multi-year contract. While no contract has been signed, Red Bull is reportedly seeking a first option on Albon’s services. If Albon agrees, the agreement would give Red Bull the opportunity to sign him for three years starting in 2026. It was previously believed that Albon’s current contract expired at the end of this year, but Williams Team Principal James Vowles clarified that the deal actually extends to cover 2025. While this wouldn’t prevent other teams, such as Mercedes, from pursuing Albon, it would limit his control over his future if he were to reunite with Red Bull. Albon joined F1 in 2019 with Red Bull’s junior team, Toro Rosso, and was promoted to the main team after just 12 races in his rookie season. However, he struggled alongside Max Verstappen in the challenging RB16 car the following year and was replaced by the more experienced Sergio Perez for 2021.
But after rebuilding his career with a team also aiming to revive its fortunes in Williams, Albon reiterated his ambitions to compete for victories at the team’s 2024 launch. Albon expressed that his desire was to achieve this with the British outfit and acknowledged the progress they have made with their FW46 car.
“I feel like I’m approaching my peak,” he stated. “There are always areas for improvement, but with my experience and current position, I believe I deserve a car that can secure podium finishes and contend for wins. I’m being completely honest about how I see myself.”
“More than anything, I want Williams to be that team, and that’s where I dedicate all my work and efforts.”
When asked about discussions concerning his future, Albon responded, “I can’t deny that there have been conversations and general discussions about it, but honestly, that’s not my area. That’s more for my management. My focus is on driving.”
“My stance is that I’m incredibly excited to see how the FW46 develops. I want to experience how the car feels in Bahrain and the following races, and truly gauge the progress we’ve made as a team.”
“My entire focus is on Williams, and that’s where I envision myself. The rate of improvement is also crucial to me, so only time will tell.”
However, when pressed about the possibility of exploring other options within his current terms, Albon replied, “Let’s wait and see. Time will tell. But my focus is on 2024.”
“The real emphasis is on ensuring progress for 2025. That’s where I stand.”
“Realistically, I want to stay with the team. If they reach the level I desire, it will be a long-term contract. We’re either going all the way or not at all.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com