Albon admits teasing Russell over Williams woes

Alexander Albon admits that he has enjoyed a few jokes at George Russell's expense in 2019 as the rookies' seasons have gone in markedly different directions.

Albon, Russell and Lando Norris all stepped up from F2 together in 2019, having formed the top three of 2018's Formula 2 drivers' championship standings, topped by Mercedes junior Russell.

Norris has impressed with the resurgent McLaren, while Albon's campaign has gone from strength to strength after a decent start with Toro Rosso led to a promotion to Red Bull just 12 races into his F1 career.

By contrast, Russell is the only driver on the grid without a point in 2019 as Williams have struggled badly. Although it has raised a smile for Albon, he has no doubt that his junior rival will find his way to the top in F1.

"I do tease George, I am not going to lie," Albon told PA. "We banter about it all the time.

"George and I have always been fighting at the front, so it must be extremely tough for him. He can do an amazing lap, but he knows that 19th is all he can achieve. I don’t know that feeling.

"But he is doing a top job and when he has a chance to show what he can do, he will. I know he is a good driver so I am not worried for him."

The Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2020 is Albon's to lose according to team boss Christian Horner, but the Thai driver has more than racing on his mind as he looks to cement a career in F1.

"Hopefully in years to come I will earn more money and be able to move out. At the minute I am housebound, family housebound," he added.

"Milton Keynes is a nice town and close to the Red Bull factory, but how do I say this? There are other places out there. Maybe I need to live somewhere else and have a more extravagant lifestyle?

"I would definitely like to go to London. I have been thinking about it, but, again, it is about money. I need to score some bonus points."

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