Alexander Albon favours a Williams Formula 1 seat for 2022, according to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, as discussions continue over his future.
Albon stepped up to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso for 2019 and spent one-and-a-half-years racing for Red Bull before he was replaced by Sergio Perez for 2021.
Albon was nonetheless kept on in a test and reserve role by Red Bull.
George Russell’s impending move to Mercedes will ostensibly open a vacancy at Williams for 2022 and Albon is understood to be a lead candidate.
“I think his preference would be Williams,” said Horner after Sunday’s race at Zandvoort. “But it’s great that there’s interest in him and I think it would be good to see him in back in a race seat.
“We obviously want to see Alex racing next year, we rate him highly and I think we’re close to finding a solution, and of course it’s not just Williams that are showing interest in him.
“So hopefully Alex will be back on the grid next year. Behind the scenes we’re doing everything we can to make sure that happens.”
Williams is supplied by Mercedes’ power unit and on Saturday at Zandvoort Toto Wolff indicated that Red Bull would have to release Albon from his contract.
“It’s slightly unusual,” said Horner on Wolff’s comments. “It’s obviously a huge influence but I’m assured that Williams choose the drivers that they wish to drive in the car and they don’t have restrictions.
“Maybe we don’t [have to release Albon]. We’ve had very productive discussions with Williams and with Alfa, and I expect the situation to hopefully be resolved in the next week or so.”
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