Albon clears up Verstappen and Red Bull F1 car theory

Alexander Albon has clarified that Red Bull’s Formula 1 cars are not built specifically to suit Max Verstappen.

Albon partnered Verstappen for a season and a half but struggled alongside the Dutchman, as did his predecessor Pierre Gasly.

Verstappen has enjoyed great success over the last handful of years and won back-to-back F1 titles in 2021 and 2022.

Earlier this year, Albon claimed in an article with The Players’ Tribune that Red Bull’s cars are “set up in a unique way that is built around the lead driver”, which in this case is Verstappen.

He added: “I mean, when all is said and done, he might be the greatest driver of all time. But he has a very distinct style of driving, and he likes the car set up a certain way that’s hard for a lot of drivers to sync up with. 

“Of course, you can tinker and tweak your own car, but just the Red Bull in general is suited to Max’s style.”

Speaking to Express Sport, Albon has clarified that the cars aren’t built specifically to benefit Verstappen, but rather the team leans on him as the Dutchman extracts the most performance.

“I think people get very confused with designing a car around a driver and a driver who’s very, very quick and wants a car a certain way,” he said.

“Of course, you’re going to listen to the driver who’s getting the performance in and getting a good job because the potential is more. 

“I’m not going to call myself guilty for it but people misinterpret my words where they think what I’m trying to say is the car is built around him.

“No, it’s the fact that he can deal with it and he drives it in a certain way. You’ve got to try and find what he has because at the end of the day he’s making it work. Honestly, that’s the difference.”

Albon was dropped by Red Bull ahead of the 2021 campaign and replaced by Sergio Perez.

After sitting out on the sidelines for a season, Albon returned to the grid last year with Williams and is currently secured on a multi-year deal.