Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said that the team will look at all the driver options before making a decision over who will partner Max Verstappen next season.
Alex Albon has come under increasing pressure this season following a run of poor performances, with the team confirming that they would make a decision over the seat in the next few weeks.
Prior to the Portuguese Grand Prix, Red Bull told Albon that he had two races to secure his seat for next year, leaving the Thai driver with just this weekend’s race at Imola to save his drive.
“The reality is there’s not so many races left in the season and it’s getting to that time of year where we need to start thinking about next year obviously, so I think within the next few weeks, we’re going to have to make a decision,” Horner said after the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao.
“I think that you’ve got to look at all of the options, and I don’t think we’d be doing our job if we didn’t look at the situation within F1, in that there are obviously drivers that have got significant experience and ability, and that is a very unusual situation, that could be available.”
Both Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg have been linked with the seat and are yet to confirm whether they will be driving in Formula 1 next season.
The German was without a seat for this year, barring three appearances as a replacement at Racing Point, but Horner confirmed Albon would see out the season.
“Well, we’re committed to Alex for this year,” he added.
“And as I say, everybody in the team wants him to lay claim to the seat next year. He’s a great guy. We believe he does have talent. He’s still only in his second year of F1. And it’s tough, it’s very tough. It’s mentally tough. It’s tough going up against Max.
“And he showed he can bounce back previously, and I really hope for him that he can bounce back from a difficult weekend here in Imola next weekend.”