Red Bull ‘offer first option' to Alex Albon as rumours about F1 future intensify

Red Bull have reportedly offered Alex Albon a “first option” move as speculation surrounding his F1 future intensifies.

The reigning world champions want to secure a first option on the 27-year-old’s services which would give them the choice to bring him back for three years starting in 2026, according to Motorsport.

If Albon were to agree, he would rejoin Red Bull six years after they demoted him because he had not performed strongly enough alongside Max Verstappen during an 18-month spell.

It would mark an incredible turnaround in events as Albon would also reclaim the seat he lost to Sergio Perez, who was picked as the Anglo-Thai driver’s replacement for 2021.

Having rebuilt his reputation at Williams with impressive campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Albon’s stock has never been higher.

Rumours surrounding his future have ramped up in the wake of Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari switch for 2025, with Albon linked as a possible candidate to replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes.

There has also been growing speculation about a possible return to Red Bull with some reports even suggesting Red Bull has offered Albon a multi-year contract from 2025.

They are understood to be inaccurate and were described by Williams team boss James Vowles as “speculating at best”.

Vowles revealed at Williams' 2024 car launch that Albon is tied down to Williams through to the end of the 2025 season.

Red Bull’s rumoured first option offer would respect Albon's contractual situation, enabling him the chance to see out the entirety of his Williams deal before returning to the Milton Keynes outfit.

The offer suggests Red Bull would be willing to retain Perez, whose contract expires at the end of the year, for one more season.