“Phenomenal” Alex Albon Hailed to Replace Sergio Perez as Red Bull Journey Comes Full Circle

The 2019-20 was the silliest of the silly seasons Red Bull has ever had. Daniel Ricciardo left the Austrian Outfit to drive to his ultimate potential at McLaren. His departure was followed by the induction of Pierre Gasly, the driver at the Red Bull junior team. However, after a humiliating stint of 12 races, Gasly was unceremoniously replaced mid-season by Alex Albon. But in Gasly fashion, he was demoted from the driver’s seat. Fast forward three years he is now thriving at Williams, leading people to wonder, “Was his removal hasty on RedBull’s part?”

The driver who replaced Alex Albon in 2021 was Sergio Perez. The former Racing Point driver earned much respect from the fans and the Red Bull team after his defense against the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. However, ever since his Abu Dhabi heroics, the Mexican driver has been fading steadily.

Alex Albon deserves the Red Bull seat believes Rosberg

From competing for podium finishes in Red Bull to racing for a point finish in Williams, Albon is content with the move. Although, a back fielder, driving the ninth fastest car on the grid into points is a commendable feat. Contrary to Albon, Logan Sargeant, the American recruit is turning out to be a bad gamble for Williams. He is the only driver on the grid awaiting a contract extension. Speaking to Sky F1 according to Formula Directa, Nico Rosberg weighed in, “I think it’s going to be difficult for him to retain that seat for next year, especially because Albon is doing such a phenomenal job.”

While Sargeant awaits clarity over his future in F1, another driver on the grid is suffering a similar fate. Sergio Perez, the Red Bull driver is facing off with the bulls. However, Rosberg had a suggestion for the Austrian Outfit. He said, “Albon would also be a dream candidate actually for the Red Bull mother team for next year to replace Sergio Perez but unfortunately, as Helmut Marko was saying, Albon is locked in with a long-term contract there at Williams.”

Although, Alex Albon would make for a great addition to Red Bull, the Austrian Outfit currently has more drivers than seats. Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson are already standing in the succession line. However, even if Red Bull did not have a surplus of drivers, the Thai driver has put out any hopes of returning to the Austrian Outfit.

READ MORE: Alex Albon Played a Vital Role in George Russell’s F1 Career & How the Mercedes Driver Paid Him Back

Does Alex Albon want to be back at Redbull?

Alex Albon rose to prominence in the Canadian Grand Prix. His precise strategies during the qualifying session earned him the title, ‘The Tyre Whisperer’. Moreover, his immaculate performance extended to the Sunday Grand Prix as he held off a train of cars finishing P7, his best of the season. Is his resurgence enough for a second Red Bull stint? Albon believes not.

Reflecting on his Williams contract and a potential return with the Bulls, Albon said, “Truthfully, I think you see it already now, where my main focus is with this team. You can see this isn’t a short-term situation. I am here for the long run. And I’m really enjoying working with the team, being where I am. I do feel like we are on a journey. I do want to continue this journey. Let’s see how these next few years unfold, but for now, I am very happy where I am.”

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After a disastrous second half of the season, Sergio Perez is under threat from Ricciardo and Lawson. The mere thought of a former Red Bull driver, the one he replaced in 2021 is anti-cathartic for Perez. However, with the growing prominence of Albon at Williams, emerging as an under-rated talent, Albon is rising to be the most in-demand driver for the coming seasons.