Albon Calls Verstappen 'Arguably Best Driver Ever,' Explains Red Bull Teammate Struggles

Alex Albon, looking back with the clarity of “hindsight,” acknowledges he was in a “predicament” at Red Bull, lacking the experience to navigate the challenges of being Max Verstappen's teammate. Albon made a “big statement,” labeling Verstappen as “arguably the best driver” in F1 history, capable of masking inherent flaws within the Red Bull F1 car with his immense talent.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's dominance at Red Bull has led to a consistent challenge for any teammate attempting to match his pace. Understanding the unique difficulties faced by drivers like Albon and Yuki Tsunoda sheds light on Verstappen's exceptional skill and the team's car characteristics. This insight is crucial for evaluating driver performances and the future of Red Bull's second seat, which has seen numerous occupants struggle.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Exceptional Talent: Albon asserts that Verstappen can effectively "hide a lot of problems" with the car due to his ability to "drive a car that’s not comfortable to drive."
• Albon's Early Career Predicament: Albon joined Red Bull six months into his F1 career, inheriting a car he was uncomfortable with and lacking the experience and maturity to adapt or communicate effectively.
• Consistent Teammate Struggles: Since Daniel Ricciardo's departure in 2018, Red Bull has cycled through several drivers—Pierre Gasly, Albon, and Sergio Perez—who have all faced significant challenges alongside Verstappen.
• Yuki Tsunoda's Current Situation: Albon remains in regular contact with Tsunoda, offering support as Tsunoda navigates similar struggles. Tsunoda recently showed improvement, finishing P6 in Baku.
  • Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda's Baku performance, noting his strong pace and ability to hold off competitors like Lando Norris.
• Future of Red Bull's Second Seat: Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are facing doubts about their F1 futures, with Isack Hadjar emerging as a potential threat for a Red Bull seat.

Between the lines:

Albon's candid reflection highlights a recurring theme at Red Bull: the car's characteristics, when pushed to the limit by Verstappen, create a demanding environment for other drivers. Verstappen's unique driving style and ability to exploit the car's strengths, while compensating for its weaknesses, make him an incredibly tough benchmark. This suggests that the issue isn't solely with the teammates' capabilities but also with the specific demands of the Red Bull machinery tuned to Verstappen's preferences.

What's next:

With seven rounds remaining, Yuki Tsunoda's performance will be under intense scrutiny as he aims to secure his Red Bull future. The team's decision regarding its 2025 driver lineup will be critical, as they continue to seek a driver who can consistently support Verstappen, or at least perform close enough to mitigate the "second seat curse." The struggle of teammates to match Verstappen's pace will likely continue to be a talking point for the foreseeable future, emphasizing his unparalleled skill.