F1 Rumour: Alex Albon Offered Red Bull Seat Alongside Max Verstappen For 2025
Williams driver Alex Albon, who drove for Red Bull from 2019 to 2020, is speculated to return to the Milton Keynes outfit in 2025. He has been offered a 3-year contract that could see him as a Red Bull title contender alongside Max Verstappen.
Former team manager and F1 journalist Peter Windsor brought forth the news, dismissing suggestions that Albon would replace Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, set to join Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton's surprising transfer to the Red team caused ripples throughout the F1 community, signaling the end of his eleven-year tenure with the Brackley outfit in 2024. Speculation arose regarding the potential return of former driver Sebastian Vettel to the sport following Hamilton's departure, although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff dismissed these rumors.
Mercedes F1
Albon, previously considered as a potential replacement for Hamilton, was discussed during Peter Windsor's YouTube livestream. Windsor disclosed a rumor suggesting that Albon had signed a three-year contract with Red Bull starting in 2025. He said:
“As I understand it, Albon has been offered a 3-year contract to start in 2025. So I think you’re going to see him alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.
“I can’t imagine he’s going to say no to that, from what I understand, it’s 90 percent correct.”
The Thai-British driver's association with Red Bull dates back to 2019 after he was promoted from Toro Rosso as a result of his impressive performances. However, his tenure with Red Bull was faced with challenges as he struggled to match pace with teammate Max Verstappen. Looking at the vast difference in performance, he was deprived of his racing seat toward the end of the 2020 season.
Following his departure from Red Bull, Albon took a year-long hiatus from the sport before joining Williams for the 2022 season. Over the past two seasons with the Grove-based team, he has garnered significant praise for his performances.
If the rumor of Albon having received a Red Bull offer is true, it remains to be seen if the past repeats itself as Albon reunites with Verstappen. But, will he make the switch to Red Bull? The Dutch driver has consistently improved over the years, clinching three consecutive world championships. Matching his pace would be a formidable challenge for Albon.