David Coulthard hopes a Formula 1 team has done enough to retain their ‘standout’ driver Red Bull want to possibly replace Max Verstappen and is on Mercedes’ radar.
The 2025 driver market kicked off early following Lewis Hamilton’s surprise decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. He will swap the Silver Arrows for the Scuderia next year after using an exit clause in the 39-year-old’s contract. So, Carlos Sainz is on the way out at Maranello, too.
Sainz is among the many Formula 1 drivers out of contract after the 2024 season, with more than half the grid facing uncertain futures. Red Bull must decide if Sergio Perez merits a new deal beyond this season. While Verstappen may even force his way out of Red Bull for 2025.
Red Bull and Mercedes have their eyes on Alex Albon
According to F1 Insider, internal politics are making Verstappen question his future with Red Bull beyond this year. The 26-year-old could even move to Mercedes to replace Hamilton in 2025. Toto Wolff is a big Verstappen fan and would welcome the Dutchman with open arms.
Should Verstappen leave Red Bull, team principal Christian Horner has already identified his dream replacement in Williams racer Alex Albon. Reports by Bild note Horner would happily offer Albon a second chance at the team having axed the 28-year-old for Perez after 2020.
READ MORE: Williams driver Alex Albon’s life outside of F1 from net worth, girlfriend to parents
Earlier reports by Motorsport.com also suggested that Red Bull have already offered Albon a first option for 2026. He is under contract for Williams for the 2025 F1 season. But Mercedes identifying Albon as a possible target tempted Red Bull to make their first move for a return.
David Coulthard hopes Williams can keep Alex Albon
Now, Coulthard admits he hopes Williams can do enough to keep Albon against any interest from Red Bull or Mercedes. The ex-Red Bull driver believes Williams are trending in the right direction under James Vowles with owners Dorilton Capital offering the needed investment.
“James Vowles has definitely established himself well as team principal,” Coulthard told the Formula For Success podcast. “He’s facing the hard questions, rather than hiding from them. So, I have to believe that, given time, he will be able to turn that team around.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship
“They’ve got some good technical team that have joined. Pat Fry, for instance, who I worked with at McLaren, very experienced. He’s been at Ferrari, Benetton back in the day and I have no doubt that he will bring a steadying hand.
“I think it’s just [a] lack of investment for several years and the new owners, of course, have been trying to restructure. I just hope they do enough to be able to keep a hold of someone like Alex Albon, who has clearly been the standout driver there.”
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