Button Believes Red Bull F1 have Gone Easier on Albon Compared to Gasly

In recent times, Red Bull have been quite harsh on their #2 drivers, especially Pierre Gasly. But with Alex Albon, the team have been more supportive and spent a considerable amount of time figuring out ways to get him up to speed.

Former World Champion, Jenson Button, too, felt the same and added that Red Bull might have realized that they had been very tough on their young drivers over the years.

While in conversation on the Collecting Cars podcast, Button spoke about Red Bull’s change of treatment with their drivers. “I actually think that they’ve turned a corner with treating their young drivers,” he said.

“I think over the years, they have been tough with Gasly.”

Gasly was promoted to Red Bull back in 2019, but what happened after that was a time to forget for the Frenchman. He was given just 12 race weekends before he was dropped to Red Bull’s sister team, Toro Rosso.

But one can’t say that Albon received a similar treatment. “I think with Albon, they’ve realized they need to take it a bit easier. Maybe work with him, with engineering, and try and give him speed,” Button said.

But by the looks of it, the clock might be ticking on Albon’s future behind the wheel of an RB16 by the end of this season. And Red Bull are trying their best to avoid that from happening.

However, if Albon’s disappointing run were to persist through to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull’s will be all but tied to relieve the young Anglo-Thai driver of his duties.

Button believes the Red Bull car can only be driven by Max Verstappen

Jenson Button felt that Red bull’s cars are bespoke for Max Verstappen. Consequently, other drivers could not adapt to the setup.

“I think the biggest issue is he’s got the quickest driver in the world for outright speed as a teammate,” he said. “He’s also set the car up like he wants it, which is on the nose, very oversteery. And no one else can drive it.”

Similar to Gasly, Albon, too, is struggling with his car. Over the course of this season, he has been fighting his car out on the track. And it was quite evident as he frequently complained over his team radio.

Although 2020 is almost his second season with Red Bull, he has failed to get into his desired comfort zone. Hence, it would be a miracle if Albon makes a drastic improvement before the end of this season and finds his way into 2021 in the iconic navy overalls.