Alex Albon is hopeful that Max Verstappen’s dominance over his teammates will lessen once Verstappen moves on from Red Bull. Verstappen is closely linked to an upcoming switch to Mercedes, which has been the main topic of speculation during Media Day at the British Grand Prix.
While George Russell and Kimi Antonelli appear set to remain with Mercedes, Verstappen has declined to discuss his future in detail, reminding everyone that his contract with Red Bull extends until the end of 2028. Verstappen has been the leading force in the sport in recent years, capturing four consecutive driver championships and outperforming every teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull after the 2018 season.
Verstappen has consistently eclipsed teammates like Pierre Gasly, Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and the now-struggling Honda-powered drivers. Gasly was replaced midway through 2019, Albon dropped at the end of 2020, and Verstappen decisively outqualified Albon throughout 2021.
Albon boldly suggests that Red Bull cars are designed to fit Verstappen’s driving style, which exaggerates the gap between him and his teammates. While Gasly and Albon regained form after departing Red Bull, Lawson appeared comfortable upon joining the team. Albon believes Verstappen remains exceptionally fast but hints that he doesn’t fully benefit from the current car setup, telling the BBC’s Checkered Flag Podcast that all drivers perform differently depending on the vehicle, and switching Verstappen to another car could change the dynamic significantly.
He recalls his own experience, noting how quickly driving new cars like Williams and Toro Rosso affected his performance, emphasizing how much the car itself influences success.
Fan Take: This update matters because Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes could reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1, breaking Red Bull’s recent dominance. Racing fans should watch closely, as this could ignite a thrilling new rivalry and bring fresh excitement to the sport.
