Alex Albon close to a return to Formula 1 for 2022

Many rumors are currently circulating in Formula 1 on the names of the starting drivers next season. George Russell's arrivals at Mercedes et Valtteri Bottas in Alfa Romeo seem almost acquired, thus opening the succession of the British at Williams. Alex Albon, replaced by Sergio Pérez this season at Red Bull, could thus seize this opportunity to make its return to the premier discipline of motorsport. “Alex deserves a seat in Formula 1 next year”, said Christian Horner at a press conference at the Dutch Grand Prix. “ There is a lot of interest in him for next year. We will do everything we can to try to enable this. I hope nothing will stop him from seizing one of these opportunities. I think he's a talented driver and with the transfer of George, and now that Kimi is retiring, it opens up opportunities. I'm sure this will be resolved over the next week. » If a return is impossible at Red Bull in 2022 with the extension of Sergio Pérez's contract, the stable “looking at external teams including Williams and Alfa Romeo who have both expressed interest,” Horner confirmed.

In the Austrian general staff, the desire is to see the Thai again, recently victorious in DTM, in Formula 1. “We want to see him race, so we will do everything we can to make sure he is back in a seat next year.”, Horner confirmed. “There are always obstacles, but he is a boy who deserves an opportunity in Formula 1 and we are doing our best to try and help him achieve that. » So, Horner could release Albon from his Red Bull contract if an opportunity arises for him to drive in F1 next year.“We look forward to seeing him return to Formula 1 and I hope this will be resolved in the coming days. » 

Albon at Alfa Romeo, de Vries at Williams?

Red Bull could even offer a financial arrangement to help secure a place for Albon in Formula 1 next year. “I think he’s good enough that we don’t need to bring any funding with him, but we’re obviously looking to help him get a steering wheel. So wherever we can help, we certainly will. Hopefully this can be resolved in the near future. » If Albon's return seems to be only a matter of time, other names are also circulating to recover the presumed vacant seats at Alfa Romeo and Williams next season. That of Nyck de Vries is thus cited at Williams, as a member of the Mercedes family and world champion of Formula E. Guanyu-Zhou, Oscar piastri, and Theo Pourchaire are also on the list of potential candidates for entry into Formula 1 for 2022. Another unanswered question: if Alex Albon signs with Valtteri Bottas at Alfa Romeo, the future of Antonio Giovinazzi could be written outside there car. In the future Hypercar program of Ferrari en Endurance ?