The Red Bull 2026 Formula 1 driver market is still wide open, and it seems Alexander Albon is back in play, catching the attention of Dr. Helmut Marko. As the teams work to finalize the 10 line-ups that will make up the starting grid for the upcoming season, some key pieces are still missing. One team where everything remains uncertain is Red Bull, where, aside from Max Verstappen, very few positions are locked in. Among the drivers reportedly under Marko’s scrutiny for 2026 is the Thai driver Alexander Albon.
The relationship between Albon and the Milton Keynes team did not end on the best terms. Initially announced as a full-time driver in 2019 with Toro Rosso, he was soon promoted to the main Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen, replacing Pierre Gasly, who had struggled to find a rhythm in that car.
Unfortunately, Albon’s story at Red Bull mirrors his predecessor’s challenges. His 2019 season was far from competitive and, most importantly, he lagged behind his teammate driving the same machinery. The following year brought more difficulties, though the number 23 managed to achieve a podium finish at the Mugello Grand Prix—the only podium of his Formula 1 career so far.
Despite these efforts, the Red Bull leadership was not convinced, and Albon was left without a seat for the 2021 season in favor of Sergio Perez. Free from his Red Bull ties, Albon then joined Williams, where he was able to achieve some personal successes and regain confidence in his career.
However, according to Motorsport.com, Helmut Marko seems interested in bringing Alexander Albon back into the Red Bull family. The Austrian reportedly regrets not fully appreciating Albon’s talent and letting the opportunity slip away. But how realistic is a return to Milton Keynes?
Looking at the driver market, it appears very challenging for him to come back. The 2026 line-ups seem almost finalized: Verstappen-Hadjar at Red Bull, Lawson-Lindblad (or Tsunoda) at Racing Bulls. Additionally, some rumors suggest that Red Bull is interested in McLaren Academy driver Alex Dunne, so the situation is far from settled. The final picture of Red Bull’s 2026 driver roster is still very much a work in progress.
Leave a Reply