Red Bull’s Struggle with Their Second Seat: Could Albon Make a Return?

As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, Red Bull Racing finds itself in a precarious situation with its driver lineup, particularly regarding the second seat. While the team’s star driver, Max Verstappen, continues to perform at the highest level, Red Bull’s second seat has become a point of contention. The performance of their current second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, has been underwhelming, which has prompted discussions about the possibility of a return for former Red Bull driver, Alex Albon. In this article, we will explore the current state of Red Bull’s driver situation, the possibility of Albon returning to the team, and how such a move could impact both Red Bull and Williams in the future.

Red Bull’s Struggles with the Second Seat

Red Bull Racing has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, with Max Verstappen being the undisputed star of the team. However, the second seat has been a source of frustration. The team has had difficulty finding a driver capable of matching Verstappen’s pace and maintaining consistent performance. While many teams struggle with the balance between first and second drivers, Red Bull’s situation seems more critical given their dominance in the Constructors’ Championship and the heightened expectations that come with it.

Yuki Tsunoda, who joined Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri in 2021 before moving to the main team in 2023, has not lived up to expectations. In the first half of the 2025 season, Tsunoda has scored just seven points—far behind his teammate, Verstappen, and even further from the level expected from a Red Bull driver. This poor performance is becoming more problematic as the 2026 season approaches, with Red Bull needing a strong second driver to complement Verstappen’s talents.

Albon’s Situation at Williams

Alex Albon, who was unceremoniously dropped from Red Bull at the end of 2020, has enjoyed a resurgence at Williams. Albon’s time with Red Bull was a mix of highs and lows, and despite showing promise, he was ultimately replaced by Sergio Perez for the 2021 season. However, since moving to Williams, Albon has shown that he is capable of competing at a high level. He has been instrumental in helping Williams progress through the field, leading the team to a respectable fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship as of mid-2025.

The Grove-based team is also preparing for the 2026 season with a strong foundation, as they will be powered by Mercedes engines—a significant upgrade. Albon has become a key figure in Williams’ future, and his technical feedback and performance have made him an integral part of the team’s plans for the new regulations that will come into play in 2026.

Red Bull’s Interest in Albon

Despite Albon’s success at Williams, Red Bull’s desire to bring him back into the fold has been an open secret. The Thai-owned team, which has close ties with Albon and his family, reportedly sees him as a viable candidate to replace Tsunoda in 2026. Chalem Yuvidia, who owns 49% of the team and has played a key role in Red Bull’s rise, is particularly keen on bringing Albon back, as their relationship is deeply rooted in shared national origins and personal ties.

While it may seem like a far-fetched idea, the possibility of Albon returning to Red Bull is far from impossible. If Red Bull’s current situation continues to deteriorate, especially with their performance under the new 2026 regulations, a return for Albon could make sense. He is a driver who understands the Red Bull philosophy and has a wealth of experience, which could be invaluable in helping the team navigate challenging times.

The Challenges of Returning to Red Bull

Albon’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. His move from Red Bull to Williams allowed him to rebuild his reputation, and he now enjoys a level of stability that he did not have when he was with the Austrian team. Red Bull’s management and car development issues were part of the reason for his departure, and although the team has since enjoyed success, the underlying issues of their car design and performance still persist.

If Albon were to return to Red Bull, he would not only have to face the challenges of adapting to a team that has undergone several changes but also deal with a car that is not as well-suited to his driving style. The team’s technical structure has been under scrutiny, especially with concerns over their engine development, which could hinder their competitiveness in 2026. While Verstappen is renowned for his ability to extract the maximum performance from a difficult car, the second driver will need to be more than just a support act—they will need to provide valuable feedback and help fix any issues that arise.

This is a key factor that Red Bull will have to consider in their decision-making process. Albon, who has matured as a driver at Williams, would be expected to step into the role and help elevate Red Bull’s performance. However, the question remains whether Red Bull’s technical structure, which may not be the strongest in the field, would allow him to perform at the highest level. Given the uncertainty surrounding the new engine regulations and the potential challenges of adapting to them, Albon may have second thoughts about returning to a team with such instability.

The New 2026 Regulations and Their Impact

The 2026 season will mark a significant shift in Formula 1, with new engine regulations set to alter the landscape of the sport. The introduction of new powertrains and changes to aerodynamics will create a level playing field where no team is guaranteed an advantage. Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to have an edge with their superior engines, while Red Bull, with its Honda power unit, will need to prove that it can remain competitive in this new environment.

Albon’s decision to stay at Williams may ultimately hinge on how the new regulations play out. Williams is well-positioned to take advantage of the changes, especially with their partnership with Mercedes. If Red Bull struggles in 2026, as many expect, Albon could be in a prime position to lead Williams to even greater heights. The question, however, remains: will Red Bull be able to entice Albon back into their fold?

Tsunoda’s Future at Red Bull

While the focus has been on the possibility of Albon returning, Yuki Tsunoda’s future with Red Bull remains uncertain. Tsunoda’s lack of performance relative to Verstappen has placed him under pressure, and with his contract running out after 2025, Red Bull may look for a replacement. Tsunoda has had five years to prove himself, and despite some flashes of potential, his inability to challenge Verstappen or consistently score points has raised doubts about his ability to deliver in the second seat.

The likelihood of Albon replacing Tsunoda would depend on how Tsunoda performs in the second half of the 2025 season. If Tsunoda fails to significantly improve, Red Bull may decide to act quickly and secure a more experienced and competitive driver—someone like Albon—who could help the team maintain its championship aspirations.

Conclusion: Is Albon the Right Choice?

The idea of Alex Albon returning to Red Bull is a tantalizing prospect, but there are many factors to consider. Red Bull’s current struggles with their second seat, combined with the uncertainty of the new 2026 regulations, make this a risky decision for both Albon and the team. While Albon has proven himself at Williams, the opportunity to return to Red Bull would be hard to ignore, especially given the potential for success alongside Max Verstappen.

However, Albon would have to carefully weigh the risks. If Red Bull’s technical issues persist, returning could be a step backward in his career. On the other hand, if Red Bull manages to recover and remain competitive, Albon could once again find himself on the podium regularly, fighting for wins. In the end, the possibility of Albon replacing Tsunoda remains a realistic one, but it will depend on how both Red Bull and Williams fare in the coming seasons.

For now, Albon’s future with Williams seems secure, but the door to Red Bull may not be entirely closed. Whether or not he returns will depend on how the teams evolve and the opportunities that arise in the ever-changing world of Formula 1.