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Aston Martin have already made ‘contact’ with another F1 driver after failed Charles Leclerc talks

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Aston Martin have been assessing the Formula 1 driver market for the 2027 season. With Charles Leclerc now staying at Ferrari, they have turned their attention to Alex Albon.

With Fernando Alonso’s contract expiring in 2026 and the Spaniard being linked with retirement, Aston Martin have been looking at the F1 driver market for potential replacements. It was reported that Leclerc was a primary target after talks with his manager.

However, Leclerc has signed a new contract with Ferrari, shutting down any further talks with the Silverstone outfit. But Lawrence Stroll is not dwelling on it, as he is now pursuing other targets.

Alex Albon of Williams walks in the F1 paddock
Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images

Aston Martin have made ‘contact’ with Alex Albon

According to a report from RacingNews365, Aston Martin made ‘contact’ with Williams driver Albon at the Canadian GP.

The Thai driver has been with Williams since 2022 and has been a pivotal member of the team with his experience and strong results. However, 2026 has been a disappointing season for the Grove outfit.

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

Williams driver Alex Albon at Bahrain pre-season testing
Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

Despite focusing solely on the new regulations in 2025, Williams are on the back foot with just seven points to their name thus far. Albon and teammate Carlos Sainz are frustrated over the situation, with the former’s ‘body language during recent races pointing to discontent’.

Albon’s contract expires in 2026, and he is believed to be keeping his eyes open for 2027. Aston Martin have initiated talks with him, with Alonso’s future looking uncertain.

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

Williams driver Alex Albon in the Shanghai paddock before qualifying for the F1 Sprint at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Alpine, Audi and Red Bull could rival Aston Martin for Alex Albon’s signature

However, according to the report, Aston Martin are not the only team monitoring Albon and his availability for 2027.

Alpine and Audi also contacted the Thai driver in Canada. Franco Colapinto is out of contract in Enstone, while the long-term future of Nico Hulkenberg is uncertain, with the German turning 39 years old in August.

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There is strong competition for Albon’s signature, so Aston Martin will have to ramp up negotiations if they are serious about signing him over Alpine and Audi.

Red Bull also ‘cannot be ignored’, as the Thai driver holds a strong relationship with the team’s owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya. It was reported that Albon has been shortlisted by Red Bull if Max Verstappen retires from F1 at the end of the 2026 season.