Horner counters Wolff's Albon ultimatum

Christian Horner has labelled Toto Wolff's dealings in the speculation linking Williams and Red Bull reserve driver Alex Albon as "unusual".

With George Russell all but confirmed to replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes, Albon and Mercedes Formula E champion Nyck de Vries have each been linked with the vacant seat or a potential opening at Alfa Romeo.

Wolff said over the Dutch GP weekend that Albon would have to be released by Red Bull to gain a move to Williams but asked if he was surprised if his counterpart could dictate driver choices at engine customers, Horner said: "It is slightly unusual.

"Obviously, it is a huge influence but I am assured Williams choose the drivers they wish to drive in their cars, that they don't have restrictions."

On why Albon must be released, Horner replied: "I don't think... maybe we don't.

"We have had very constructive discussions with Williams and with Alfa and I expect the situation to hopefully be resolved in the next week or so."

Albon preference is Williams - Horner

Albon lost his Red Bull seat at the end of 2020 in favour of Sergio Perez, who has just renewed his contract for next season, whilst the British-Thai driver has competed in DTM in Germany.

Horner insisted the team's priority was getting Albon back on the F1 grid.

"Obviously, we want to see Alex racing next year," added Horner. "We rate him highly and I think we are close to finding a solution.

"Of course, it is not just Williams that are showing interest in him. Hopefully, Alex will be back on the grid next year and behind the scenes, we are doing everything we can to make sure that happens.

"I think his preference would be Williams, but it is great that there is interest in him and it would be good to see him back in a race seat."

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