Red Bull retains "future options" on Albon after Williams move

Red Bull has confirmed the team has successfully retained "future options" with Alex Albon after the Thai-British driver's Williams switch.

During the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained Red Bull must "set him [Albon] free" in order for him to join Mercedes-powered Williams.

However, via a statement, Red Bull has confirmed: “We have released Alex to become a Williams Racing driver in 2022 but retain a relationship with him that includes future options."

Following the announcement, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed the team will closely monitor Albon's progress.

"We rate Alex very highly and with our line-up for 2022 fixed, our objective was to help find him a seat in another team where he could gain more F1 mileage and experience and we are delighted to have done that with Williams Racing," said Horner.

"Alex has been a hugely valuable asset in his role as our Test & Reserve Driver this year, helping bring performance from the simulator to the car each weekend, but for his career it was important not to spend another season out of an F1 race seat.

"With his place on the grid next year secured, we are delighted to see him realise this opportunity and we will be following his progress closely."

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