Alex Albon has reportedly set his sights on working his way out of his Williams contract which allegedly runs until the end of 2025, after two rival teams supposedly approached the Anglo-Thai racer last year.
As recently as 2021, Albon's F1 career appeared to be in jeopardy. After a promising debut season with Toro Rosso, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2019, partnering the formidable Max Verstappen.
However, the pressure of competing alongside the intrepid Dutchman proved too much for Albon, and he was demoted back to Toro Rosso at the end of the season.
But Albon refused to give up on his F1 ambitions. After a year on the sidelines, he joined Williams in 2022, determined to prove his worth once again. And prove himself he did.
In his first season with the team, he consistently outperformed his car, earning himself a well-deserved new multi-year deal.
But last season, he took his performance to new heights, propelling Williams to seventh place in the constructors' championship, their best finish in decades.
As a key asset of the Grove-based outfit, Albon’s performances have not gone unnoticed.
According to ESPN, at least two teams have already attempted to buy out his Williams contract, while the driver himself is reportedly eager to be able to leave at the of 2024.
Ferrari is one of the teams reportedly interested in Albon's services, viewing him as a potential replacement for the talented but inconsistent Carlos Sainz.
The Spaniard has made clear to the Scuderia that he would like clarity on his future before the start of this year’s campaign. Rumors claim that Sainz is also high on Audi’s list although its doubtful the 29-year-old would commit to the German manufacturer’s project even before its official arrival on the grid.
Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding Sainz's future has opened the door for Albon to make a bid for a top-tier seat.
Furthermore, a return to Red Bull Racing is also in the realm of possibilities for the Williams charger given that Sergio Perez’s contract with the bulls expires at the ed of 2024.
Finally, perhaps the most probable outcome for Albon is a status quo and remaining the driving force at Williams.
As the F1 silly season unfolds, Albon's name is sure to be at the forefront of discussions. His resurgence and the high demand for his services have made him a pivotal player in the driver market, and his future could shape the landscape of F1 for years to come.
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