Red Bull in contact with Perez replacement target

But sources indicate the Milton Keynes-based outfit has not yet reached a stage to give the Thai-British driver a concrete offer.

Perez's contract expires at the end of 2024 and although strong performances in the upcoming season will keep his F1 future in his own hands, the reigning Constructors' champion is expected to make a switch at the end of the year.

It has been rumoured that Daniel Ricciardo's move back into a race seat with AlphaTauri [now Visa Cash App RB] last term was with a mind to promoting the Australian back into the Red Bull alongside Verstappen, with whom he endured a partnership of mixed fortunes between 2016 and 2018.

But if Red Bull is looking towards another former driver in Albon, who was replaced by Perez ahead of the 2021 campaign, then the Mexican may have a lifeline to remain in place until the end of 2025.

That's because Albon has a contract in place at Williams for another two years, as explained by Team Principal James Vowles at the Grove-based outfit's season launch: “Alex is signed with Williams until the end of 2025.

“That’s signed. That’s not something I've been very public about because I don't feel the need to. So any report that you’re seeing and there's one in particular, they're speculating at best."

What may speak in Albon's favour with regards to a move back to Red Bull is that Chalerm Yoovidhya, a 5 per cent owner of Red Bull, is of Thai descent. Helmut Marko is said to be enamoured by Albon's performances and while the Austrian was the instigator of his dropping at the end of 2020, a harsh word was rarely spoken.