Amidst renewed rumors that Red Bull's Thai owners want Alex Albon back, Williams team boss James Vowles asserts his driver is now capable of challenging Max Verstappen. This claim comes despite Albon's past struggles at Red Bull, though Vowles emphasizes Albon's significant growth.
Why it matters
Rumors of Albon's return to Red Bull have resurfaced, driven partly by the team's Thai ownership, who reportedly have a strong relationship with the Anglo-Thai driver. This adds a new layer to the ongoing driver market speculation, especially concerning Sergio Perez's future.
The big picture
Alex Albon was promoted to Red Bull in 2019 after just 12 F1 races with Toro Rosso. He struggled to match Max Verstappen and was eventually demoted to a test driver role in favor of Sergio Perez for the 2021 season. However, since joining Williams in 2022, Albon has consistently performed, establishing himself as a key leader for the team.
What James Vowles says
Vowles believes Albon is a "completely different animal" compared to his previous Red Bull stint. He states that if Albon were pitted against Verstappen today, he would present a much stronger challenge. Vowles highlights not just Albon's speed, but his newfound resilience and consistency under pressure.
- "If you put him up against Max today, he would be a completely different animal to what was there before."
- "The way I'm perhaps adjudicating him isn't just about how fast he is in the car... but actually how resilient he is to everything, things going wrong around him, and how strong he is in that circumstance."
- "Is the ability to get there every time there? Yes, that's what I'm seeing."
What's next
Despite the circulating rumors, Alex Albon reportedly has a contract with Williams until the end of the 2027 season. While Red Bull's Thai ownership, led by Chalem Yoovidhya, may desire Albon's return, the contractual situation remains a significant barrier. The driver market for upcoming seasons, especially 2025 and 2026, continues to be highly dynamic.