Albon understands difficulties for Perez: 'Tough next to Verstappen'
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Alexander Albon knows it first-hand how hard it is to be Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing. Sergio Perez has also experienced the same in recent seasons, and the Dutchman's next partner at the Austrians will also be in a 'tough' situation given Verstappen's consistent performance. Albon explained in Abu Dhabi why driving next to the four-time world champion is a difficult task.
Talking about the situation Perez found himself in, Albon explained how hard it is to drive alongside Verstappen, while also praising the Dutchman. "It's a tricky one. I think first of all, you have to just appreciate the talent that Max has. That's number one. Number two is it's not always that comfortable to drive that car. I don't know where it is now for Checo," the Williams driver GPblog among others in Abu Dhabi.
Albon could complete a season and a half next to Verstappen. "I've said it a few times now, I think he likes the car quite different. It's not easy for other drivers to adapt to it. Then it's just that toll of it, you're in the spotlight constantly and it's a tough place to be. I think for anyone, it's not going to be an easy place to be his teammate," he underlined.
'Verstappen could handle the RB20 better'
According to Albon, Perez also struggled to adapt to the update packages Red Bull brought to the car. "When you look at Checo at the beginning of the year, I think the car felt a little bit more stable for him. He was actually able, relative to the top teams, he was doing a good job. He could qualify in the top five, top three and get back podium finishes and whatnot. And then I just think it just went away from him."
He also sees that was the reason together the difference in styles that hurt the Mexican. "As the upgrades came on and Max felt more comfortable with the car, maybe not comfortable, but as he could deal with it, Checo struggled a bit more. A bit of both really. I think Max likes the car in a certain way. The team are able to give it to him. I don't know if that just makes it harder for the team," the Thai driver concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
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