Verstappen sees Albon sign at Williams: Max keeps everyone in suspense

Williams have struck a major blow with Albon's contract extension. The Thai was already fixed until 2025 and will now remain linked to the British racing stable at least until the new regulations in 2026. This means that practically 10 of the 20 spots for 2025 are taken, although there is still a big question mark behind one driver.

This is because Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull Racing until 2028, but it is far from certain that Verstappen will actually serve out his contract with the team. The Red Bull driver is weighing up his options due to the unrest that has arisen within the team. Will Verstappen stay loyal to Christian Horner or opt for a switch to Mercedes?

Will Verstappen stay at Red Bull Racing after 2024?

Much will depend on that switch. If Verstappen stays at Red Bull Racing, Carlos Sainz will set his sights on Mercedes. There, Lewis Hamilton's spot has become vacant and Sainz may be a more sensible solution for Mercedes than promoting Andrea Kimi Antonelli to the main team straight away, who could then first get used to F1 at Williams.

The same actually applies if Verstappen does make the switch to Mercedes. Then, Sainz will be angling for the seat at Red Bull Racing. With Albon off the market, his biggest rival for that seat is gone. Antonelli will then still be able to join Williams.

Audi will also be waiting for these developments. It is no secret that Audi were keen to bring in Sainz, but Sainz himself seems to prefer Mercedes and Red Bull. Audi is therefore looking further ahead, and the question is how soon they will move on. In doing so, Esteban Ocon is said to have entered the picture. In addition to Nico Hulkenberg, Audi wants another driver who has already proven himself in F1. Retaining Valtteri Bottas will also be among the possibilities.

Alpine seems to have little to choose from. As one of the teams in the rear, it will be good for continuity to keep at least one of the two drivers on board. Keeping all two does not seem ideal, given the poor relationship. Alpine is readying Jack Doohan for a possible debut in F1 with several tests, while Mick Schumacher will also be hoping Alpine will give him the chance for a return to the premier class of motorsport. However, the team will first see if Ocon or Gasly can be retained for the team.

The big wait for Verstappen

The situation at Visa Cash App RB will also remain unclear for a while. Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo both hope to make the step up to Red Bull Racing, where Sergio Perez's contract expires. Liam Lawson, for his part, hopes to secure a seat at VCARB.

And then there is Haas. They seem to be picking up the pieces. Oliver Bearman is being groomed by Ferrari for a full F1 debut in 2025. He will most likely take over the seat from Nico Hulkenberg. Haas may choose to retain Kevin Magnussen for some consistency. However, other drivers could potentially become free. Think Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo, for example, but also drivers who could bring some money/sponsors: Guanyu Zhou and Logan Sargeant.

For most deals, however, much hinges on Verstappen's decision. Mercedes wants to wait for the three-time world champion, leaving the rest of the driver market trapped. Albon has extended his contract but was in a difficult position anyway due to his contract through 2025. We may have to wait a while for other deals.