Navigating the Sharp Edge – Alex Albon Discusses Dynamics with Max Verstappen at Red Bull
Formula 1 driver Alex Albon has shed light on the challenges he faced alongside teammate Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, delving into the intricacies of Verstappen’s “unique” driving style. In a recent interview, Albon revealed how Verstappen’s preference for an extremely sharp front end in the car created tension for his teammates, making the driving experience akin to navigating a computer game with maximum sensitivity.
Verstappen’s exceptional 2023 season, marked by 19 victories and a record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive wins, showcased his mastery in adapting the car to his liking. Albon, who partnered with Verstappen for 18 months before being dropped at the end of 2020, emphasized that Red Bull engineers develop the car for overall speed rather than tailoring it exclusively to one driver’s style.
Albon compared Verstappen’s sharp and direct driving style to turning up the sensitivity in a computer game, describing it as “eye-wateringly sharp” and acknowledging its effectiveness while also highlighting the challenges it poses for drivers with different styles, such as himself. Despite these challenges, Albon commended Verstappen’s speed and acknowledged the need for drivers to adapt to the team’s setup to excel in Formula 1.
The insights provided by Albon offer a glimpse into the dynamics within a top-tier F1 team, where drivers with distinct preferences must find a common ground for optimal performance in high-stakes racing.