The Red Bull driver merry-go-round is always a hot topic. While Max Verstappen remained as their number 1 driver competing with Lewis Hamilton at the top, the likes of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were unsuccessful. Like the Frenchman, Red Bull also promoted Albon, but similarly, he failed to live up to the expectations.

The current William’s man replaced Gasly in the middle of the 2019 season and started strongly. However, after showing promise, the following season went downhill as he finished over 100 points behind his teammate.

One of the reasons for his struggles is the constant comparison with Verstappen. It seemed like the Dutchman was carrying the Bulls on his own. However, Albon believes that many exaggerate his underperformance.

He said, “In retrospect, my first year in Formula 1 was great, and the second year obviously didn’t go as planned. When I look back on it, I think it was very dramatic and that I was portrayed as if I was underperforming enormously.”

“I think people forget that it was also difficult for Verstappen. We weren’t at the front of the grid. If you are three or four tenths behind at the top, you immediately drive into the danger zone.” (Translated using Google)

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After missing out on a seat in 2021, Albon has shown potential with the struggling Williams. He will hope to put his career back on track by continuing to display consistency.

Helmut Marko blames Lewis Hamilton for Alex Albon’s failure at Red Bull

Alex Albon did not finish below 6th in his first 7 races with the Bulls. Following this, he had heartbreak in Brazil as he ultimately ended P14. As the Thai driver was about to take home his first podium, but Hamilton sent him into a spin with just 1 lap to go.

The 2020 Austrian GP saw Hamilton and Albon clash once again. Fighting for the 2nd spot, he made contact with Hamilton when he tried to overtake with only 10 laps to go. As a result, Marko believes that the seven-time world champion dented Albon’s confidence.

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He stated, “Lewis Hamilton didn’t destroy his career, but he did put a dampener on it. [Albon] was in second place in Brazil in 2019 when Hamilton drove him off the track. Then Alex wanted to pass Hamilton on the outside at the Red Bull Ring in 2020 but got pushed onto the gravel. He would have won that race, but he came away empty-handed. He took a long time to get over that.”

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The former Red Bull driver, however, struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. He was ultimately taken out of the firing line and replaced by Sergio Perez in 2021. Do you think Helmut Marko is right in suggesting Hamilton was partly to blame for Albon’s short Red Bull career?