Red Bull shortlist Alex Albon for Max Verstappen’s seat after investing £8.7m in his career

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Alex Albon is one of the contenders to replace Max Verstappen if the four-time world champion retires or leaves Red Bull, according to a report.

Albon has raced for Red Bull before, having taken Pierre Gasly’s seat midway through the 2019 season. He was let go at the end of 2020 but has flourished since returning to F1 with Williams.

Last year, Albon was the highest-ranking midfield driver in the standings as he finished eighth and outscored Williams teammate Carlos Sainz. His contract runs until the end of 2027, which may force any interested parties into a buyout.

Alex Albon is a ‘candidate’ to replace Max Verstappen

According to MARCA, Red Bull want an experienced driver with ‘proven speed’ if they do lose Verstappen. With that in mind, they are looking at three former drivers – Albon, Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz.

Just like Albon this year, Gasly is reminding the F1 world of his talents by running at the head of the midfield in 2026. He’s currently eighth in the standings after three rounds.

Meanwhile, Sainz is a driver in demand as he considers his Williams future. Albon has appeared even more frustrated so far this year after the team went sharply backwards.

You’re in charge of Red Bull and you can only bring back ONE of these drivers

Who do you go for, and why?

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It recently emerged that Albon still holds regular meetings with Red Bull’s Thai owners, and that relationship could be a crucial advantage if an opening does emerge at Milton Keynes.

Why Red Bull had to pay £8.7m to sign Alex Albon

Albon wasn’t announced as an F1 driver until the middle of February in 2019, only a month before the season started. This came after a late change of plans for Red Bull, with preferred Toro Rosso candidate Dan Ticktum short of superlicence points.

Albon was signed up to race for Nissan in Formula E, only for Red Bull to make a late approach. It cost them €10m (£8.7m) to buy him out of his contract, according to Autosport Web.

Red Bull were already familiar with Albon, who had been part of their driver academy between 2008 and 2012.

While it didn’t work out alongside Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko regretted not giving Albon more ‘support’ and wanted to bring him back. Even though Marko left the team at the end of last year, interest in a reunion remains.