Albon's impressive performance sparks rumors of a Red Bull return
Jun.30 - Alex Albon has played down wild rumours suggesting he is in the running to replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull next year.
Last time out in Canada, only Albon's Williams was fitted with an impressive car upgrade - but it appears as though it was a big step forwards.
Team boss James Vowles, however, hailed it as a "drive of champions" to seventh place.
Albon's teammate Logan Sargeant will also have the new package fitted this weekend in Austria.
The American rookie says he has "spoken to Alex" about the update and "it's quicker".
"More downforce, so it's just better all round," said Sargeant.
But Albon is the one in the positive headlines at present - in part because of public praise made not only by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner but also Dr Helmut Marko.
Albon was at Red Bull's premier team four years ago when his push for victory was put into a spin at one key race by Lewis Hamilton.
"That hit his confidence massively," Marko said this week, adding that Albon had "a lot of bad luck" when he was a Red Bull Racing driver.
As for Horner, he admitted to watching Albon's efforts in the Williams "as much as I watched our race" in Canada recently.
Albon says that sort of praise is nothing new.
"Christian texts me when I do well," he said on Thursday. "It's nice when you stay friendly with your former boss. But I'm completely focused on Williams now.
"For me, this is a long-term project," Albon added at the Red Bull Ring, where his Red Bull successor - Sergio Pérez - was absent on Thursday due to illness.
"I hope I'm here for the long haul," Albon said, referring again to Williams. "I really like working with the team, I feel that we are progressing - and I want to participate in this.
"We'll see how the next few years go, but right now I'm very happy with where I am."
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Where do people come up with all sorts of thinking?
He won't return, end of story. A past thing.
In F1 never say never
Clickbait: Alex Albon is very happy where he is. Williams as a team is moving forward, and it’s in his interest to stay and enjoy the ride.
Pigs might fly
Midfield at best
Wrong move Christian
Racing where he is in the pack , it'll keep him very sharp, for when the penny drops "We'll see how the next few years go" and his phone rings, Albon was right up the sharp end at Rb , inconsistent yes but when he was on it...yeah cos Christian txts all his old drivers when they have a good race doesn't he......