F1 News: Martin Brundle Hints At Red Bull's Alex Albon Regret Following Strong 2023
Former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has shared his insights following the Mexican Grand Prix, emphasising Red Bull’s potential reconsideration of its driver choices.
Key Takeaways:
- Alex Albon’s back-to-back point finishes highlight his remarkable progress, making him a standout performer in the current season.
- Sergio Perez’s recent struggles have led to questions about his future with Red Bull, despite having a contract, underscoring the need for two strong drivers for the competitive seasons ahead.
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“He’s settled there [at Williams] and he feels comfortable,” Brundle remarked when speaking of Albon's current situation in the sport. Albon’s journey from P2 in Friday’s practice to P14 in the second session, followed by a bounce-back to ninth place in the Grand Prix has helped Williams continue to defend seventh place in the Constructors' Standings.
Brundle continued, highlighting the importance of a supportive team environment:
“It’s the stick and the carrot – some drivers do need an arm round their shoulder and reassurance and to be listened to carefully and to feel they’re valued within a team. I bet Red Bull wish they still had access to him.”
Albon drove for Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) in 2019 before moving to Red Bull mid-season where he stayed until the end of 2020. The British-Thai driver was demoted by the team to the role of reserve and test driver for 2021 when he was replaced by Perez.
Perez’s race-ending collision with Charles Leclerc in Mexico has once again stirred up discussions about his future with Red Bull. Brundle expressed his thoughts, saying:
“There’s a question of, there is a contract and Red Bull want him in the car, he wants to be in the car, Formula 1 need him in the car, just look at this place. Everybody wants that to work apart from a handful of racing drivers who fancy his seat.”
Brundle concluded with a pragmatic yet hopeful view on Perez’s future, stating:
“On balance, if I had to put money on it right now I would say he will be in the Red Bull next year and he will be at this race next year in a Red Bull. That would be my position right now. My goodness, he does need some decent races in these last handful.”
