Alex Albon could be free to make Red Bull return through ‘performance’ clause in Williams contract

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Alex Albon could leave Williams at the end of the 2026 season through an exit clause in his contract. It could facilitate a return to Red Bull.

The Thai driver has been with Williams since he returned to the sport in 2022 and has been the team’s lead driver. Now alongside Carlos Sainz, Albon has been hoping to take the Grove outfit back to the front of the grid.

After finishing P5 in the constructors’ championship in 2025, Williams have been struggling under the 2026 F1 regulations, despite focusing all of their attention on the changes early. Albon scored his first point of the season in Miami, but it is far from where he wants to be.

Lando Norris, George Russell and Alex Albon made their F1 debuts on this day in 2019

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Alex Albon could leave Williams through performance-based clause in 2026

Williams have scored just five points in 2026 and could be at risk of losing both their drivers at the end of the season. Sainz could ‘review’ his future with Williams and decide whether to sign for another two years, and Albon can do the same.

According to a report from F1.com, it is ‘believed’ that Albon has a performance-based clause in his contract. If certain targets are not met, then he could be free to leave Williams.

Rumours are already speculating that the 30-year-old could decide to leave the Grove outfit, and he could make a return to Red Bull after leaving the team in 2020.

With Max Verstappen considering retirement from F1 at the end of 2026, Red Bull could be in need of a replacement in 2027.

What do you expect from Alex Albon in the 2026 F1 season?

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Albon regularly meets with Red Bull’s Thai owners, with the two parties having a strong relationship even after parting ways.

In fact, it has been reported that Albon is on Red Bull’s shortlist to replace Verstappen, if he is to leave the team at the end of the year.

Should he decide to part ways with Williams, the door could be open at Red Bull for Albon to drive a competitive car. However, given the chaotic nature of the midfield and the changing regulations, staying at Williams will be something to consider.