One F1 driver’s camp played a blinder last season after they ‘swerved’ Red Bull approach over 2025 seat

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Red Bull Racing are increasingly becoming a less and less enticing option for Formula 1 drivers unless your name is Max Verstappen.

Max Verstappen is a four-time world champion thanks to Red Bull’s efforts over the past few years, but his bid to become a five-time champ looks increasingly difficult.

McLaren have an advantage over the rest of the field, although Verstappen still sits second in the drivers’ championship after securing a podium in Australia an a P4 finish in China.

Verstappen isn’t entirely happy with the RB21, but has at least fared better than his previous teammate Liam Lawson.

The New Zealander is the latest driver to be demoted from Red Bull, but was given by far the shortest amount of time compared to any of his predecessors to prove himself.

Yuki Tsunoda has made positive noises about his chances at Red Bull having finally earned a promotion into the senior team.

However, Red Bull explored other options before signing Lawson, let alone making the hasty decision to replace him with Tsunoda.

READ MORE: Williams driver Alex Albon’s life outside F1 with net worth, girlfriend to parents

Alex Albon’s team deserve praise after they ‘swerved’ Red Bull interest

Red Bull held an interest in signing Alex Albon from Williams last year before he signed a contract extension with James Vowles’ team.

Albon didn’t have the easiest time at Red Bull when he drove for them in the past, having to sit out of Formula 1 for a year after being dropped for Sergio Perez in 2021.

Journalist Ben Anderson was speaking on The Race F1 Podcast and was asked if Albon should be brought back to Red Bull as a potential successor to Verstappen as team leader and answered: “They were interested in bringing him back, weren’t they?

“Not so long ago, when they were looking for a teammate for Verstappen, there was talk of a pre-contract or an offer at least.

“Which the Albon camp, which, like maybe many people, would have swerved.

“His performance so far, even though the sample set is small, have been impressive. If you had asked me to back one of the two horses before the season, I would have backed Sainz over Albon.

“I felt like momentum was with Sainz, and he’s got a really high level, even though he’s obviously got the challenge of switching teams, and Albon has got the advantage of incumbency.

“But, there’s not much in it.”

READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Alex Albon looks like a changed driver at Williams this season

There were moments last season when it looked like Albon was going to be put under pressure by Franco Colapinto after he made a very fast start to life in Formula 1.

It raised doubts about how Albon would cope alongside Carlos Sainz when he arrived at Williams this season, but so far, the Thai driver has got the better of the four-time race winner.

Sainz looks slightly bereft of confidence, with his performances in the first two races not reflective of his previous tests with the team.

However, Williams staff have noticed a positive change in Albon this year as he looks to have stepped up to the challenge of being the Spaniard’s new teammate.

Going back to Red Bull would have been a huge risk, and not one that he necessarily needs to take at this stage of his career.

Williams have high hopes for 2026, while Red Bull’s trajectory doesn’t appear to be trending in a positive direction.