Rethinking Approach: Alex Albon Acknowledges Mistakes During Red Bull Stint, Eyes Return to Top Formula 1 Seat
Red Bull elevated Alex Albon from its sister team Toro Rosso after only six months in his Formula 1 career, and the British-Thai racer struggled to handle the pressure, ultimately resulting in his exit from the grid.
Having been promoted to a Red Bull seat after just 12 races with sister team Toro Rosso, he lasted for 18 months until being replaced by Sergio Perez and left without a seat for the 2021 season.
Reflecting on that period, Albon admits he was out of his depth and too eager to please. In an interview with the High Performance podcast, he said, “The attention for that seat, which had already been given to many drivers, was huge. I struggled with that media attention. I had no manager, and, apart from my trainer, I was on my own… I was far too much of a ‘yes-man’ at Red Bull. I was so eager to impress and please people that I said yes to everything, whether it was simulator work, PR obligations, or whatever.”
“I always put the team’s interests first, which meant I was already all up when I got in the car. I’m kind of ruthless now in some ways. I’ve definitely changed my approach to putting myself first. The reason why I do it is simple – it’s because I need to care about myself more than other people.”
Albon emphasized a balance between being there for the team and ensuring he is in the best position possible. He acknowledged a shift in his approach, prioritizing what it takes to be the best driver.
Reports suggest that Williams has resisted two approaches for Albon in the past year. While his contract runs out at the end of this year, there is believed to be some form of extension clause. A return to Red Bull seems unlikely, but Albon is reportedly admired by Ferrari chiefs. Additionally, he could be considered by Mercedes as a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton, but that decision may not happen until at least the end of the 2025 season.
