Albon "being made to look like an idiot" - Russell

George Russell has expressed support for good friend Alexander Albon, insisting one of the best drivers in Formula 1 is currently being made "to look like an idiot".

Albon, who has struggled for grip and balance with his Red Bull throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, could only qualify 13th, a place behind Russell in his Williams, and more worryingly, seven-tenths adrift of team-mate Max Verstappen's Q2 time.

"I've known Alex for the last 15 years and been in the same paddock as him," Russell said of the longstanding friendship he has with Albon.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, he added: "He is one of the best drivers we all race, you know Max, Charles, all of us will say it.

"He has always been at the front in everything he has done and I don't know what the hell is going on and I feel sorry for him because he is being made to look like an idiot and he's not.

"He has won in everything he has done so I don't know what's going on but they need to sort it out for him."

Despite his lofty qualifying position, Russell is expecting a difficult grand prix given the lack of race pace with his car compared to that in qualifying.

"It is a good opportunity but the last two weekends we haven't been able to transform our quali pace into our race pace," said Russell.

"The last two races we have been by far the slowest in the race, and with the cars I have got behind me it is going to be a tough race.

"I am just praying for rain because I think we can be fast if it does pour down."

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