Red Bull: Sochi F1 track layout "accentuated" Alex Albon’s struggles

The layout of the Sochi Autodrom “accentuated” Alex Albon’s struggles at the Russian Grand Prix, according to Red Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner.

Albon was over a second slower than Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in qualifying and finished the Russian Grand Prix 10th, half a minute behind the Dutchman and nearly a full lap behind race-winner Valtteri Bottas.

It followed the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello where Albon claimed a long-awaited maiden F1 podium having made encouraging progress in recent races.

The Thai racer has struggled with the inconsistent balance of this year’s RB16 more than Verstappen and Horner believes the layout of the Sochi circuit exacerbated the difficulties Albon already faces.

"Alex is particularly sensitive to some of the characteristics of the car," Horner explained.

"He's struggling with that and they're accentuated at this type of circuit with short corners and big braking zones.

"Obviously there is plenty to look at for him. His second half of the race, he recovered reasonably well, but obviously it's been a tough weekend for him.

"So it was a shame, after the podium two weeks ago, that this one has probably been one of the hardest of the year for him."

Horner revealed that Red Bull is working on solutions to the problem in a bid to make the car more suited to Albon’s liking and driving style.

"I think we've understood some of the issues that we've got with the car," he said.

"Obviously we are working hard to address those. And I think hopefully in the remaining races, we should be able to, I hope, take steps that will improve the car in that area."