Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton appreciated Red Bull’s driver Alex Albon after their little interaction at Mexican Grand Prix.
Hamilton thinks that Albon has a “bright future” in Formula 1 and hope that Red Bull will utilize him.
Albon was taken on board from Formula 2 at Toro Rosso this year. Pierre Gasly had replaced out-going Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull.
But considering Gasly’s performance team had decided to switch him back to Toro Rosso with Albon to find better fit for the team after the summer break.
Hamilton remained behind Albon at the start of the race and was only able to surpass when he went in for tyre change.
Albon team opted for two stop strategy, while Mercedes took the risk and went with single stop for Hamilton.This eventually turned in favor of the team leading to another victory for the team this season.
Hamilton remained behind Albon in the early stages of the Mexican Grand Prix, until Albon pitted early on a two-stop strategy as Hamilton turned a one-stop into a race win.
Hamilton was impressed by Albon’s driving skills after their battle at Mexico. He was impressed how he has “built up onto a pedestal” against his team mate Max Verstappen.
“He was driving really well, not making any, or too many mistakes,” said Hamilton of Albon.
“I think this year has been…it’s a real challenge to go up against a driver [Verstappen] that’s been spoken so highly of by so many people and built up onto a pedestal.
“And to come in so young, and with all the difficulties he’s had in his life as well – his life story is quite an interesting one – against all adversity.
“It was quite cool to just sit and view him for a second.
“He pitted very early, I’m not quite exactly sure why but they obviously then went onto the two-stop strategy and I didn’t really see him again after that.
“But he’s got a bright future ahead of him. I hope Red Bull give him the support over the years.
“It’s very, very important because they often spit drivers out pretty quick if they don’t always do the job.
“I hope they’re good to him.”
Albon finished fifth this weekend which could have been better if the team had risked for single stop strategy.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Boss, had also expressed his opinion about Albon. He told that team is impressed by him while he continues to improve himself.
Since coming into Red Bull, team boss Christian Horner says Albon has impressed the team and continues to improve.
“Alex has scored more points than Max since the summer break which you never would have expected, I think Alex is doing a very good job considering it’s his first year in Formula 1,” said Horner.
“He’s getting stronger, he works very hard, he has good feedback in the car and I think he’s impressed the team with his attitude and application.”
