Alex Albon has been facing a tough start to life being a full-time Red Bull driver in 2020. Just how different is his case to that of Pierre Gasly from a year ago?
It is no secret that Red Bull Racing pride themselves on having Max Verstappen as their superstar driver. Although the official statements may never quite prove the same, Red Bull’s approach towards Max over the years makes it implicit that he is the prodigal son; the chosen one for the four-time Formula One Constructors’ World Champions.
Max Verstappen Racing
When Daniel Ricciardo departed the team at the end of 2018, many suggested that the team being too aligned towards Max was a significant factor. Once again, while this may still be a rumour, it is hard to think otherwise considering the circumstances Ricciardo found himself in. With everything said and done, Ricciardo’s departure clearly opened up the door for Verstappen to break through and establish himself as Red Bull’s Number 1 driver.
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In 2019, Verstappen almost single handedly upheld Red Bull’s points total for the season. This took place as Gasly failed to find his feet and his replacement, Albon doing a decent-enough job to keep the hot seat, but being unable to match Max.
Funnily enough, when Alex Albon was drafted into the second Red Bull seat instead of Pierre Gasly back at last year’s Belgian GP, the questions surrounding this move were rather unique to Red Bull. Instead of asking whether Albon will excel at a top team, many, including myself, were compelled to think ‘Can he live up to the grand challenge of Max Verstappen?’
Alex Albon and his struggles
So far in 2020, that has been a rather problematic question for Alex Albon. A bright spark for a potential victory at the Austrian GP was nullified by an ironic recreation of the events at last season’s Brazilian GP. Hamilton on the inside? Check. Albon making a daring move around the outside? Check. Both make contact and Albon loses a potential maiden podium? Check. Apart from the circuit, the colour of the Mercedes was the only thing that changed between these dramatic events.
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As the ‘Prima Donna’ Verstappen resumed normal service in the following week’s Styrian GP with P2 in Qualifying and a hard-earned P3 in the race, Albon languished in P7, way off the pace from his teammate. Albon himself acknowledged the apparent pace deficit in one costly stint leading up to the Hungarian GP and that deficit was alarming.
Why Red Bull is different
At any other team, an off-day after a promising race like Austria may not have been such a big talking point, but that can’t be said for Red Bull. Their revolving-door policy with barely any job security for the second driver can be a rather daunting atmosphere to work in. What may be good enough for others, isn’t good enough for Red Bull. At Milton Keynes, the sack always seems to be looming large.
Think of them then as a giant tidal wave; if you ride through, you may appear to be the best tidal surfer in the world in a matter of minutes. However, if you drop the ball, the very same wave can ruthlessly throw you back to the shore with heavy bruises to your reputation.
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At this stage, the rumour mill yet again created an atmosphere of panic surrounding Albon’s performances. No doubt that they weren’t up to the level Red Bull may hope for, but taking things a step too far by likening his run, and what may happen next to the situation of Gasly may be a polar extreme.
Where Alex Albon stands out
There is one major difference between Albon and Gasly that stands out as bright as daylight and adds a ray of hope surrounding Albon’s stint at Red Bull. Regardless of the fact that Albon still hasn’t achieved his maiden podium while being in a car that can be called a potential race winner in places, it is Alex Albon’s approach to driving and aggressive nature that makes him stand out in this case.
Yes, Albon hasn’t matched up to Verstappen and yes, that crucial podium eludes him. That aside, just the sheer intent with which Albon has driven since his arrival in Formula One makes it quite a defining factor. Just take a look at the recent Hungarian GP – following a dismal result in qualifying which led to Albon’s long time friend George Russell hitting out at Red Bull for ‘making Albon look like an idiot’, Albon showed his defiance.
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In tricky changing conditions, Albon put in an inspired drive, making some bold moves and finishing in P5 after starting in P14. When you look back at Gasly’s ill-fated tenure, it is hard to find drives like this one. Additionally, this wasn’t exactly the first drive of its kind; Albon has put in multiple such recovery drives, a case in point being the Chinese GP of 2019 when he was still at Toro Rosso. The results may not be outstanding, but the way they have been achieved is a major statement of intent from the Thai driver.
What the future holds at Red Bull Racing
Thankfully, Gasly has refound his lost confidence at Alpha Tauri while Albon is developing at Red Bull. In the end, the trigger-happy nature of Red Bull could eventually come into picture but if there is anything pushing that away, it is Albon’s intent. This very intent has put Albon in that hotseat and that is exactly what is keeping him there, at least for now.
Now though, it is all about translating that into strong results and podiums. The best part is that Alex Albon knows and that is a prospect that excites me a lot!
