P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alex Albon offers ‘extreme’ theory why Max Verstappen team-mates struggle at Red Bull
Alex Albon explains that the significant difference between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars could be a factor in why team-mates struggle to match Max Verstappen’s performance. Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez, and Yuki Tsunoda, have not been able to keep up with Verstappen, often leaving Red Bull as a one-car team. Albon, who replaced Gasly mid-season in 2019, highlights the demanding nature of Verstappen’s driving style and the challenge for other drivers to adapt to it. He points out that the Red Bull car is more forgiving and stable compared to the Racing Bulls cars, requiring significant adjustments and understanding from the drivers. Albon also mentions the complexity of factors like car characteristics, tire management, engineering, and personal driving styles that young drivers in F1 are still discovering. Ultimately, Albon believes that Verstappen’s ability to handle the car’s unique characteristics plays a key role in his success and the challenges faced by his team-mates.
