Albon feeling ‘no extra pressure’ despite Red Bull F1 exit rumours

Alexander Albon says he’s feeling ‘no extra pressure’ despite persistent rumours surrounding his future with Red Bull for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Albon endured a torrid Eifel Grand Prix last time out, flat-spotting his tyres on two separate occasions and colliding with AlphaTauri driver Daniil Kvyat, before eventually retiring from the race prematurely due to a punctured radiator. 

While the Thai driver still has the public backing of Red Bull senior management, Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez have been tipped as potential replacements to partner Max Verstappen for 2021.

Despite another tough weekend in Germany, Albon says he’s still getting the full support of the team.

“The situation is still the same,” Albon said. “Obviously, we are still pushing hard. I feel a lot of support from the guys and girls. On my side, it’s just focusing on the races ahead. I know I’ve got to do a good job but I am motivated to do that. In terms of pressure, there’s always pressure but nothing extra. I just want to have a good few races.”

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom in recent races with Albon claiming his maiden podium finish at last month’s Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello.

While the results haven’t always been there, Albon believes he’s been making progress throughout the 2020 campaign.

“I think actually on paper my qualifying has been improving through the year, Albon said. “The races, actually haven’t been too bad, just as a team but also working out the starts a bit better, the Renaults and Ferraris seem to get off the line really well.

“It’s always been a bit of catchup and of course, just a mistake at the Nurburgring where I locked up which stopped the whole strategy for the race. But as I said, things are going in the right way but I just need to firstly get off the line a bit better but also have a bit cleaner races. I am sure we will get the results. ”