Recent reports indicate that Red Bull Racing may consider bringing Alex Albon back in 2026 as Max Verstappen‘s teammate, a move strongly supported by the team’s Thai stakeholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya. This potential reunion comes after Albon revived his Formula 1 career with Williams, demonstrating significant improvement since joining them in 2022.
Albon’s earlier tenure as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull from 2019 to 2020 was marked by challenges that led many to believe his F1 prospects at the top level were fading. However, over the last four years, especially with leadership from James Vowles, Albon has played a crucial role in Williams’ steady progress, becoming a key asset to the Grove-based squad’s ambitions.
Motorsport Italy has reported that Red Bull Racing’s influential stakeholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya, is advocating for Albon’s return to Milton Keynes. Yoovidhya, passionate about supporting his fellow Thai driver—despite Albon’s UK birth and Thai racing license—sees him as a valuable candidate to partner Verstappen in the upcoming years.
Albon competed in 26 races for Red Bull before being replaced after 2020, and it remains unclear whether he would be open to returning given the struggles with Verstappen during that stint. Further complicating a transfer is Albon’s current contract with Williams, which runs through to the end of 2027, and the importance placed on him by team principal James Vowles.
Journalist Suggests Albon Would Only Switch Teams for a Red Bull Seat
Italian motorsport journalist Roberto Chinchero has weighed in on Albon’s possible future moves, insisting that the driver would only leave Williams if Red Bull offered him a main team seat alongside Max Verstappen. According to Chinchero, Albon is unlikely to consider driving for Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls.
“We need to see what the real intentions of Red Bull are, which has four seats, but only two certainties at the moment, which are Verstappen and Hadjar,” said Chinchero, via F1 oversteer.
“The other two seats are still completely up for grabs, it’s still an open game because there’s Lawson involved, there’s Tsunoda involved, there’s Lindblad involved and maybe there’s also Albon involved, who would clearly only move for a Red Bull seat. I [don’t] think Albon wants to go to Racing Bulls,” he added.
Chinchero highlighted that moving to the junior Red Bull team would be a step back for Albon, who already competes for a team with better results and a clearer growth trajectory in Williams. This strengthens the view that Albon’s priority remains securing a primary Red Bull role rather than a secondary seat.
Albon’s Impact at Williams and Contractual Challenges
Since joining Williams in 2022, Albon has been instrumental in the team’s progressive adaptation towards competitiveness within Formula 1’s midfield. His performances have enhanced Williams’ reputation and placed them on an upward curve, aided significantly by James Vowles’ leadership. Williams views Albon as central to their long-term ambitions, reflected in his contract running through 2027.
This contractual commitment presents an obvious hurdle for Red Bull if they intend to bring Albon back before the contract’s end. Williams is unlikely to release a driver essential to their plans, especially when the team is keen to maintain momentum towards returning to the sport’s upper tiers. Consequently, any early exit would involve complex negotiations or contract buyouts.
Stakeholder Enthusiasm and National Pride Fueling Interest
Chalerm Yoovidhya’s enthusiasm for Albon stems from a shared national connection, as both have Thai heritage, and Yoovidhya’s position within Red Bull Racing adds significant weight to the potential move. His advocacy reflects a broader appeal for Albon within the team’s ownership circle, reinforcing hopes that the driver’s return could materialize in time to partner the reigning world champion.
Despite Yoovidhya’s eagerness, it remains uncertain whether Red Bull’s management, including team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisors, will prioritize sidelining incumbent drivers or reshuffling the current lineup to accommodate Albon’s comeback. The presence of other contenders like Jüri Vips (Lindblad), Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Nyck de Vries (Hadjar) complicate Red Bull’s driver strategy for its two teams.
What the Future Holds for Albon and Verstappen’s Partnership
Should Albon return as Verstappen’s teammate in 2026, it would mark a dramatic shift for both the driver and Red Bull Racing. For Albon, it offers a chance to demonstrate growth since his last spell at the team, while for Verstappen, it brings a teammate who understands the pressure of driving for a championship-winning squad.
The speculation over Albon’s Red Bull comeback also underscores the high stakes in driver selections, as teams seek combinations that balance emerging talent and proven capability. With Verstappen’s dominance on track and Red Bull’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of the sport, the decision on Albon’s potential return will be significant for their 2026 planning.
Given the intricacies of contracts, the competitive roster at Red Bull, and the driver market’s fluidity, fans and insiders alike will watch closely how Albon’s situation unfolds in the coming months. Ultimately, this possible reunion hinges on negotiations, performances, and the strategic needs of both Williams and Red Bull as they prepare for the future of Formula 1 racing.
