3
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has defended Alexander Albon, stating the criticism he has received in recent races is “very harsh”.
Last time out in Hungary, Albon crossed the line on Sunday in fifth place following a disappointing qualifying session that saw him drop out in Q2.
It marked his second top-five finish in two races, however his weekend at the Styrian Grand Prix was also called into question as he was unable to keep up with teammate Max Verstappen and the Mercedes duo.
MORE: Russell: Red Bull making Albon 'look like an idiot'
MORE: Horner: 'Short memory' people quick to forget Albon's Austrian GP
Horner says that Red Bull must take some responsibility for his poor qualifying result in Hungary, but insists the team is pleased with how the Thai-British driver recovered his weekend.
“He's driven a great race. From where he's come from on the grid, racing Ferraris, the party moves he made, all credit to him. He made a great recovery,” Horner told Sky F1.
“He's picked up a bit of criticism which is being very, very harsh on him. On Saturday we made a mistake on the timing, we put too much pressure on him. We have to take responsibility for that.
“We apologised to him. He's done a great job. He's done the passing manoeuvres he's needed to, he's responded very well. I really believe that Alex has got a lot more potential that we just haven't uncovered yet.”
Heading into the 2020 season, Red Bull was being tipped to challenge Mercedes for the world championship, however after just three races, the energy drink-backed squad is 66 points down on the German manufacturer.
Horner says the RB16 is currently “very difficult” to drive, with Verstappen's experience assisting him on the timesheet compared to Albon, who is currently enduring his second F1 season.
“The car is very difficult at the moment and Max's ability to drive around those problems... his DRS wasn't even working into the Turn 1 in qualifying if you look at his lap,” Horner said.
“He's totally sideways and he's still able to catch it. That's experience on Max's side that Alex doesn't have. The only way to get that is to go to the events, go through the emotions. He will get, and is getting, stronger and stronger.”
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
23,885 comments on Williams
1 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Alexander Albon
806,601 comments on Red Bull Racing 677 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Red Bull Racing
Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
his race pace is fine, but he need to quali better.
f1ski
Posts: 726
There is a failure to appreciate his abilities. He is doing his job getting points executing passes and not crashing regularly.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
He looked very upset last weekend, something's not right...