How Verstappen's ultra-sensitive 'Call of Duty' Red Bull derailed Albon
How Verstappen's ultra-sensitive 'Call of Duty' Red Bull derailed Albon
Alex Albon has conceded his naivety after enduring a difficult year-and-a-half alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
The Thai-British driver was promoted from Toro Rosso to race alongside Verstappen just 12 races into his F1 career after Pierre Gasly had disappointed in the opening rounds.
But although Albon's performances landed some credible results, most notably podiums at Mugello and in Bahrain, he was relegated to a reserve driver role for 2021.
Writing in 'The Players Tribune', Albon reflected: "When I got in the car and had a few sessions under my belt, I thought of Pierre. I get it. I get it, mate.
"This isn’t to throw shade at anyone at Red Bull Racing or Max or anything, honestly. But the car is set up in a unique way that is built around the lead driver, and that’s Max.
"And, look, I totally get why. I mean, when all is said and done, he might be the greatest driver of all time.
READ MORE: READ MORE: Alonso concedes Aston Martin 'hurt' by Stroll absence
"But he has a very distinct style of driving, and he likes the car set up a certain way that’s hard for a lot of drivers to sync up with. Of course, you can tinker and tweak your own car, but just the Red Bull in general is suited to Max’s style.
"I like a lot of front end and nose. I’ve been teammates with George and Charles and I’ve always had way more nose than them. Basically think front-end sensitivity.
"And when I got into the Red Bull … I mean there was so much nose on the thing that if you blew on the wheel the car would turn.
"If you play Call of Duty, or a game like that, turn your sensitivity up to the highest it will go. That’s what it’s like to drive that car."
Albon naivety bites
Albon rejoined the F1 grid with Williams last year and earned plaudits as he led the team after replacing Mercedes-bound George Russell.
But looking back on his previous move to partner Verstappen, he added: "I was so naive, right, like I didn’t know what it took to compete for a top team.
"I was 12 races into my Formula 1 career. How was I going to do? How long would it take me to adapt? I just didn’t have the data on myself. I didn’t know what I didn’t know."
Despite feeling at a disadvantage due to Verstappen's position as the team leader, Albon maintains he has no ill will towards Red Bull or the Dutchman.
He explained: "Like I said, I completely understand why (this was the case). Max was, at the time, a future world champion.
"It was clear for all to see. So, of course, you’re going to build your car how he likes."
READ MORE: March's key F1 diary dates
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 star PENALISED following controversial Chinese GP incident
- 41 minutes ago
F1 Qualifying Results: Chinese Grand Prix 2024 times - 100th Red Bull pole as Hamilton crashes out in Q1
- 1 hour ago
Hamilton suffers CATASTROPHIC F1 qualifying after early exit
- 1 hour ago
Chinese Grand Prix qualifying red flagged after unusual HIGH SPEED crash
- 1 hour ago
F1 Chinese Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today from Shanghai
- 2 hours ago
Chinese Grand Prix Sprint 2024 results: Final classification with penalties applied
- 2 hours ago
Related news
F1 team announces 2026 title bid in BLOW to Red Bull
Wolff 'p*****' by Verstappen error as star makes Mercedes debut
Driver suggests Newey tempted by 'enticing' offer from F1 rivals
Red Bull boss Horner SHUTS DOWN F1 rival Wolff's title talk
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860