‘Would have destroyed him’: Why Red Bull had to drop Alex Albon as Max Verstappen’s teammate
Red Bull Racing’s decision to drop Alex Albon in favor of Sergio Pérez was influenced by several factors. Despite showing promise in his rookie season, Albon faced consistent challenges that prompted the team to seek a more compatible teammate for Max Verstappen.
One of the primary reasons for Albon’s departure was his difficulty in matching Verstappen’s pace. The team’s performance data indicated a significant gap between the two drivers, which hindered Red Bull’s ability to challenge Mercedes effectively in both drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Albon’s struggles to extract the maximum performance from the car, particularly in qualifying, were seen as detrimental to the team’s overall competitiveness.
Additionally, Albon’s inability to consistently deliver strong results under pressure contributed to the decision. Red Bull valued the ability to perform at a high level in all aspects of racing, and Albon’s occasional inconsistency in race results and strategy calls were factors that Red Bull could not overlook.
Another consideration was the dynamic within the team. Verstappen’s established status as the team leader meant that Red Bull required a number two driver who could complement him more effectively. Pérez’s experience and track record suggested he could offer a more reliable and supportive role, providing better strategic value and contributing to the team’s championship efforts more consistently.
Overall, Red Bull’s choice to replace Albon with Pérez was driven by the need to enhance their competitive edge and maximize their chances in the championship, believing Pérez’s experience and performance stability would better serve their goals.
