Red Bull is currently looking at Alex Albon's options in Formula 1 for 2022 after confirming its driver line-up for next season.
Red Bull Racing announced on Friday that it had extended Sergio Perez's contract until the end of next season, a decision that implicitly rules out Albon's return to the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
However, the 25-year-old could still join the grid next season according to RBR team boss Christian Horner.
"Alex still remains an important part of the team," said Horner. "He’s played a key role this year and will continue to play that role.
"We’re just looking at if there are any options in Formula 1 for him for next year. But in the event that he’s not in a race seat, he will be performing the same role that he has done for us this year."
In addition to his development work with Red Bull, Albon's 2021 schedule also includes a part-time involvement in the German DTM series with an AF Corse-run Ferrari. The British-Thai racer won his first race in the series last weekend at the Nürburgring.
With AlphaTauri expected to confirm both Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda for 2022, Albon's F1 options for next year appear limited to a seat with either Williams or Alfa Romeo Racing, two teams outside of the Red Bull tribe.
Regarding opportunities outside of F1, Albon recently touched base with several IndyCar outfits during his visit earlier this month to a round of the series at Indianapolis.
The Red Bull driver held preliminary talks with Dale Coyne Racing, with team owner Dale Coyne suggesting that Albon was "on his radar" for 2022.
However, if nothing comes to pass, Albon will be retained by RBR in his existing capacity.
"You never know. But he is a capable guy, he is a quick driver," added Horner.
"He is doing a good job in the DTM, won his first race last weekend. And he's an important part of our team."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Cadillac’s Formula 1 project has taken a dramatic turn before it has even fully found…
When Kimi Antonelli arrived at Mercedes last year, he looked less like a future genuine…
Because of the summer shutdown which has become a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar,…
Aston Martin F1 sponsor JCB has built its reputation on heavy lifting. But this week,…
Less than a year ago, Maya Weug was fighting for an F1 Academy title in…
For Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, a relaxing retreat along the pristine shores of Lake Como during…