George Russell Reveals How Alex Albon Cost His Friend a Junior Championship With His Antics

Communication is a big part of Formula 1. Drivers today have to be aware of complex terms and various acronyms. But what would happen if a driver confuses one term with another? George Russell knows.

In a recent interview, he narrated a story that involved his close friend Alex Albon, and Japanese driver, Nirei Fukuzumi.

“Alex thought it would be funny to teach him that understeer was actually oversteer and oversteer was understeer.”  

Because Fukuzumi didn’t have a good knowledge of the English language, he believed Albon. This, as one can imagine, created quite a situation for Fukuzumi.

“It was a quite a mess for a few weeks,” Russell said as he burst out in laughter.

“..he probably would have won the championship if not for Alex,” he joked.

Of course, Albon did so in good humor, but this anecdote by Russell once again reminds everyone just how close and long associated the two drivers are.

George Russell and Alex Albon close but in different boats

Both the drivers made their Formula 1 debuts in the same year in 2019, but their careers have gone in different directions. While George Russell will complete his much-awaited move to Mercedes in 2022, Alex Albon will replace him at Williams.

The Briton has impressed everyone with his pace in the Williams and especially in his one-off outing in Mercedes at Bahrain, where he would’ve won the race, if not for some bad luck.

In Alex Albon’s case, bad luck came in disguise. The Thai-British driver, who put in some impressive performances in the Toro Rosso, was promoted to Red Bull. However, the team lost patience and faith in the 2019 Rookie of the Year and replaced him.

So, Albon found himself with no seat in 2021 and had a year (or two) wasted from his career.

A big season for Albon & Russell in 2022

The coming season will be crucial for both drivers. George Russell will look to compete on the top of the grid with the very best at Mercedes, and Alex Albon will look to showcase his talent at Williams next year.

In his second F1 stint, Alex Albon may have the career path of George Russell in mind. If he impresses at Williams, Albon may attract the attention of the big guns again and find a car that suits his talent, just like his pal did.

Also Read: Toto Wolff Lays Down the Ground Rules for George Russell at Mercedes F1