The confidence that “Red Bull – Aston Martin Racing” puts into Max Verstappen is incredible. Team Principal Christian Horner hasn’t ever faltered on believing that the Dutchman is capable of becoming an F1 Champion. Confidence in contending against the best drivers isn’t imposed exclusively onto Christian Horner, with Max Verstappen also believing he’ll beat whichever teammate next joins him at Red Bull Racing.
Discussions regarding Red Bull Racing’s driver line-up for the 2021 F1 Campaign have grown in recent weeks. It comes after Alexander Albon hasn’t performed to Christian Horner’s demands, that was until Albon overcame & acquired 3rd Place at the Tuscan Grand Prix on September 13th. Red Bull disputes that rumours regarding Alex Albon’s removal from their team are false and that they’re committed behind the Thai-British driver.
It’s believed that Alexander Albon will be replaced by Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver that is currently employed by Racing Point & will lose his seat to Sebastian Vettel for 2021. When questioned if he’d spoke with Sergio Perez, Christian Horner confirmed that the two had discussed the possibilities. Horner claimed that they’d given Albon until the end of September to showcase his skillsets and prove himself stronger than Sergio Perez. Even with 3rd Place, that’s not enough for Albon to overcome Perez.
There’s also known discussions between Red Bull Racing & Nico Hulkenberg, who was previously seated with Renault for multiple seasons. His return was seen during the 70th Grand Prix Anniversary at Silverstone this year, where Hulkenberg would obtain P7. It’s unlikely that Red Bull Racing would terminate Alexander Albon’s contract for Nico Hulkenberg, with both drivers averaging similar placements & Hulkenberg costing more for employment.
Teammates at Odds
F1 Reporters questioned Alexander Albon after the Tuscan Grand Prix, where the Thai-British Racer got his best F1 placement to date. Albon emphasised that Christian Horner & Helmut Marko have informed him that they don’t want anything to change. When Max Verstappen was questioned on how he’d feel with Albon leaving, the Dutchman reflected no emotions & informed that his skillsets could defeat anyone on the grids. Granted, Verstappen has proven this multiple times throughout the last two seasons.