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Red Bull Passed on Alex Albon’s Return: A Gamble or a Missed Opportunity?

Publisher by Publisher
December 24, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Red Bull Passed on Alex Albon’s Return: A Gamble or a Missed Opportunity?

Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Alex Albon (23) arrives with girlfriend Lily Muni before practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In a surprising twist, Red Bull Racing reportedly chose not to re-sign Alex Albon for the 2025 Formula 1 season, despite having a clause in his Williams contract that would have facilitated his return. The decision to instead promote rookie Liam Lawson to the coveted second seat alongside Max Verstappen has left fans and pundits debating whether Red Bull missed out on a proven asset.

“The Albon Clause That Could Have Changed It All”

As revealed by Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz, Albon’s contract with Williams included a “get-out” clause specifically tied to a Red Bull offer. This gave the Milton Keynes outfit a clear path to bring back the Anglo-Thai driver, who has since revitalized his career with Williams.

“There is a get-out clause in Albon’s Williams contract that basically allows him to leave if Red Bull come knocking again,” Kravitz explained.

This clause could have seen Albon replace Sergio Perez, who was let go after a challenging 2024 season. However, Red Bull instead opted for the less experienced Lawson, a driver with just 11 Grand Prix starts under his belt.

“Why Not Albon?”

Albon’s time at Red Bull from 2019 to 2020 was rocky, as he struggled to match Verstappen’s pace and ultimately lost his seat. However, his performances since joining Williams have painted a picture of a more mature, well-rounded driver. Kravitz believes this growth could have made him an ideal candidate to handle the pressure of racing alongside Verstappen:

“Albon is so much older and wiser and knows how to handle Max and the whole situation. I don’t know why they haven’t done that.”

“Liam Lawson: A Risky Bet?”

By promoting Lawson, Red Bull is placing a significant bet on a young driver’s ability to adapt to the intense demands of a top-tier team. While Lawson has shown flashes of brilliance, including a P2 finish in Singapore, his inexperience could make him vulnerable in the highly competitive Red Bull environment.

Albon himself acknowledged the challenges of being thrown into the deep end alongside Verstappen:

“From my experience, it’s not a bad thing to spend a couple of years learning your craft a bit more,” Albon said. “But of course, if there’s an opportunity, you have to take it.”

“Albon’s Commitment to Williams”

Albon has flourished at Williams, signing a multi-year extension earlier this year. The team has undergone a resurgence, and Albon has become the cornerstone of its long-term project:

“This is a long-term project that I really believe in and want to play a key role in,” Albon said when announcing his contract renewal.

While Red Bull passed on the opportunity to bring him back, Albon’s commitment to Williams suggests he’s found a home where his talent is appreciated, and his contributions are vital.

“The Verdict: Did Red Bull Get It Wrong?”

Choosing Lawson over Albon signals Red Bull’s focus on cultivating fresh talent rather than revisiting past partnerships. However, it’s a gamble that could backfire. Albon’s experience and growth might have provided the stability needed to support Verstappen in a tight Constructors’ battle. Lawson, while talented, faces a steep learning curve in a team notorious for its high-pressure environment.

As Red Bull heads into 2025, the decision will be scrutinized with every race result. Meanwhile, Albon continues to thrive at Williams, proving that sometimes, a missed opportunity for one team is a golden chance for another.

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