Albon Reveals Key Lesson from Teaming with Verstappen

Albon Reveals Key Lesson from Teaming with Verstappen

Alex Albon has opened up about the most significant lesson he gleaned from his time alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, highlighting his journey to understand the Dutchman's unique driving style and car setup philosophy.

Why it matters: Albon's insights offer a rare glimpse into the intense environment of a top F1 team and the demanding standards set by a multi-world champion. His ability to apply these learnings to his current role at Williams underscores a significant personal and professional evolution, impacting his performance and contributing to his career revival.

The details:

• Speaking on the P1 with Matt and Tommy podcast, Albon admitted he initially lacked the experience to fully process the nuances of Verstappen's approach.
• "I didn't really have the experience to digest it all in the moment," Albon stated, explaining he was too focused on his own improvement.
• He realized the importance of understanding Verstappen's "raw speed" and why "the cars he drives are often quick to drive," even if they feel "peaky."
• This understanding prompted Albon to influence Williams' car setup, shifting it towards a more "edgier" configuration to extract quicker lap times, even if it meant a less stable car. "I feel like I've learned a lot in that process," he added.

The big picture: Albon and Verstappen were teammates for parts of the 2019 and the entirety of the 2020 seasons. Following a dip in performance, Albon was removed from the Red Bull lineup. However, he has since successfully reignited his career at Williams, showcasing remarkable growth and adaptability.

What's next: Albon's continued strong performances at Williams, including his current seventh position in the 2025 drivers' standings, demonstrate the impact of these past lessons and his commitment to ongoing development.