Max Verstappen recently dismissed rumours about his departure from Red Bull despite ongoing speculation linking him to Mercedes. However, the Milton Keynes-based team may be planning a switch in their lineup that could see Verstappen paired again with a former teammate. This comes amid a disappointing season for current Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda, whose performance struggles, particularly in qualifying sessions, have raised concerns.
Tsunoda’s difficulties include multiple early exits in qualifying rounds, causing Red Bull to consider altering their driver roster as they look ahead to the 2026 racing season. The team’s ownership could be influencing this decision, with significant support for bringing back a former driver who previously raced under the guidance of former Team Principal Christian Horner.
Red Bull Co-Owner Pushes for Alex Albon’s Return
Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a 49% stake in Red Bull, is reportedly eager to see Alex Albon rejoin the team, according to F1 Oversteer. Albon, a Thai driver and Red Bull academy graduate, debuted in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2019 before being promoted midway through that season to Red Bull’s main squad.
Despite showing promise, Albon was never fully trusted as a long-term option and was released at the end of 2020. After leaving the sport briefly, he was given another opportunity with Williams in 2022. Since his return, the 29-year-old has performed strongly, ranking eighth in the Drivers‘ Championship during the summer break and standing out as the top driver outside the four leading teams.
Challenges in Securing Albon’s Comeback at Red Bull
Albon maintains a good relationship with Yoovidhya, and Red Bull appear prepared to offer him a seat once more. However, sources suggest that recruiting him from Williams might be difficult, as Albon seems unwilling to leave the team that gave him a second chance in his F1 career.
Whether Albon will reconsider this position remains uncertain. He reportedly enjoys a friendly rapport with Verstappen and has contemplated how he would handle driving Red Bull’s challenging car again. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked in June:
“I think with the experience I have now, I’d be able to get around it [the challenges posed by the Red Bull car]. It’s not something that feels natural to most drivers, I think, and that’s what you’re seeing now [with Tsunoda].” —Alex Albon, Red Bull Former Driver
Implications for Red Bull’s Future Team Dynamics
This potential reunion underscores Red Bull’s strategic considerations as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. The team’s desire to enhance its competitive edge by reassessing its driver lineup could significantly impact Verstappen’s support and overall team performance. The return of a familiar teammate like Albon could offer Verstappen a strong collaborative partner while addressing the current concerns surrounding Tsunoda’s form.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Red Bull can finalize this surprising driver switch, which, if successful, might reshape the team’s trajectory and intensify the competition within Formula 1.