Helmut Marko: Alex Albon unlikely choice for Red Bull's 2025 F1 season

The spotlight has been on former Red Bull driver, Alex Albon, but Helmut Marko, the team's Motorsport advisor, seems to have ruled out the possibility.

Marko emphasized to Klienezeitung, "Albon is not [a contender] for us; he has a contract until 2025 [with Williams]." This revelation quashes the rumours surrounding Albon's return, despite his commendable stint at Williams. Instead, attention turns to Red Bull's current drivers, Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, both expressing eagerness to partner with the formidable Max Verstappen in 2025.

Addressing Perez's future, Marko asserted, "Checo has to deliver consistent performance; it is clear he can't always drive at Verstappen's level." The seasoned Motorsport advisor outlined Perez's path to contention for the 2025 season, stating, "If he comes second in the World Championship and gets one or two wins, he will certainly be [a contender]."

Marko shed light on the coveted seat alongside Verstappen, describing it as both highly sought after and potentially demoralizing. He highlighted the challenge for any driver attempting to match Verstappen's prowess, making it a tough but appealing prospect.

The motorsport expert also hinted at Red Bull's evaluation of Ricciardo and Tsunoda, emphasizing that performance within the team is crucial for a promotion consideration. "For both [Ricciardo and Tsunoda], it is not just about staying in Formula 1, but also about the possibility of promotion."

In a surprising twist, Marko seemed to rule out Carlos Sainz, speculating that the soon-to-be ex-Ferrari driver "probably wants to make a decision earlier than us."

As the anticipation builds for the 2025 season, Bahrain gears up to host the first race of the 2024 F1 season on March 2, where teams will showcase their prowess over 57 laps of the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The race sets the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.

Read More: Lando Norris: McLaren revamped and ready for the 2024 F1 season (planetsport.com)