Alexander Albon could have a Formula 1 seat resolved for next year in the coming days amid interest from Alfa Romeo and Williams, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Albon is in talks over a return to F1 having spent this year acting as Red Bull’s test and reserve driver after being dropped by the team to make way for Sergio Perez at the end of 2020.
Horner revealed at Spa that it was doing everything to help Albon find a seat for next year, with the announcement of Perez’s contract extension meaning a return to Red Bull is off the cards.
Speaking at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, Horner said Albon was generating interest from other teams, insisting Red Bull would “do whatever we can” to help him fill a vacant seat on the 2022 grid.
“I hope that nothing prevents him from realising one of those opportunities,” Horner said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
“He’s a talented driver. Subject to George moving, now Kimi [Raikkonen] is retiring, that does open up opportunities. So I’m sure that will get resolved over the next week or so.”
Horner was quick to rule out the prospect of Albon returning to AlphaTauri, who he raced for in his debut season in 2019, and confirmed Alfa Romeo and Williams were keen to explore the option of singing him for next year.
“We’re looking at external teams,” Horner said.
“So Williams and Alfa have both expressed interest. And yeah, we’re keen to see him back racing in Formula 1. Hopefully that can get resolved over the next few days.”
Kimi Raikkonen’s retirement at the end of the season means a seat will become open at Alfa, while Williams driver George Russell’s future is set to be announced soon amid his link to Mercedes.
Albon is facing competition from Formula E champion Nyck de Vries, who is in talks to join the F1 grid, and is mooted to be in the frame for a seat at either Williams or Alfa Romeo.
Asked if he was prepared to see Albon leave the Red Bull fold and join a Mercedes or Ferrari-customer team, Horner stressed it would “accommodate whatever we can to ensure that he’s back in a race seat next year.”
Horner added: “There’s always obstacles. He’s a lad that deserves an opportunity in Formula 1 next year, and we’re doing our best to try and help him achieve that.
“There’s good discussions ongoing at the moment. So hopefully that can get resolved in the coming days.”
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