Schumacher done with Albon: "It can't go on like this"
- GPblog.com
It seems only a matter of time before Red Bull Racing announce they will continue without Alexander Albon in 2021, after another disappointing weekend in Portugal. Ralf Schumacher also feels the same way.
Last chance
In his column for Sky Sports, Schumacher expresses his dissatisfaction with the performance of the British-Thai Red Bull Racing driver. "He was better than at the Nürburgring, but in terms of position it was another disaster. Place 12 (!) in a Red Bull! Lapped by Max Verstappen. It can't go on like this". Team boss Christian Horner announced before the Portuguese Grand Prix that Albon had to prove himself in the next two races. "He certainly didn't take his first chance", said Schumacher.
Replacement Albon
Helmut Marko has already indicated that Albon must deliver consistently and that otherwise there will be two candidates for the seat next to Verstappen; Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez. "I believe that Nico has the best chances. I repeat: by comparing their former driver Daniel Ricciardo with Nico Hulkenberg in their Renault era, Red Bull can judge exactly what they can expect from Nico. They know what class they will get with him".
Preference Verstappen
Schumacher thinks that, in addition to the performance, there is also something else at stake in the choice of the second driver at Red Bull Racing. "An extra plus for Nico: he and Max are friends. Verstappen has an important word to say. It's all about him at Red Bull. So there's no point in taking a driver he doesn't agree with". That's why the former Formula 1 driver thinks it's only a matter of time. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Nico! But he probably won't even need this support..."