Rounding up Christian Horner’s comments on Alex Albon, who could replace him, and Red Bull’s interest on two 2021 F1 free agents.
Alex Albon didn’t have a great weekend at the Portuguese GP.
Not only was he challenged by Red Bull boss Christian Horner to improve and earn his seat for 2021, but he followed up those comments with another disappointing race, finishing 12th and outside the points – while also being lapped by podium-grabbing team-mate Max Verstappen.
That has left Albon under even more pressure, and Red Bull with a difficult decision to make. So, what’s the latest on Albon’s contract, Formula 1’s most appealing ‘available’ seat, and the possible contenders?
Red Bull want Albon in the car for 2021, but…
Albon has been a popular addition to the Red Bull team since admirably stepping up halfway through his rookie season with Toro Rosso, impressing – particularly with his overtaking – towards the end of 2019. But while he hasn’t been helped by a tricky 2020 Red Bull car, Albon has struggled massively this year.
Albon has been beaten in every qualifying session by Verstappen, with the 0.295s gap in Italy the closest the pair have been. On average, Verstappen has been over half a second (0.555s) quicker than Albon over one lap.
Red Bull, however, backing the driver they describe as a “great talent” at the age of 23, have consistently made it clear that their desire is for Albon to remain as Verstappen’s team-mate for 2021.
“It’s Alex’s seat to lose, really,” Horner told Sky F1’s Martin Brundle in an exclusive interview on Friday at Portimao. “Everyone wants to see him succeed.
But Gasly won’t be filling the seat
Pierre Gasly would more often than not have been a prime contender to replace Albon. Though Gasly was dropped by Red Bull back down to Toro Rosso (now known as AlphaTauri) just over a year ago, he has been one of the drivers of the season in 2020, securing an incredible maiden victory at the Italian GP, and is only one point behind Albon in the standings with a much slower car.
He has also scored more points already this season (63) than any driver has managed over a single campaign in the team’s history – including the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Verstappen, who both earned promotions.
But Red Bull weren’t interested, and AlphaTauri has now confirmed Gasly is staying for 2021.
Free agents Perez & Hulkenberg are on Red Bull’s radar
There are, however, other drivers who Red Bull do have their eye on.
Both Sergio Perez, a free agent for 2021 despite his typically strong Racing Point drives, and Nico Hulkenberg, off the grid since 2019 but an impressive stand-in at three 2020 races, have both boosted their reputations this year, and Horner admitted interest.
“When you’ve got drivers of that calibre that are on the open market then, of course, you have to look and evaluate all possibilities,” he told Brundle, while also confirming Red Bull will look outside AlphaTauri should they need a replacement.
The next few weeks and races will be pivotal, particularly for Albon who is still, without doubt, the front-runner.
Chloe Dang 