Red Bull boss Christian Horner does see similarities in the approaches of both Alex Albon and Max Verstappen.
While the Dutchman’s skill and self-confidence are largely undisputed, the London-born Thai driver arrived in Formula 1 somewhat as an unknown despite a solid record in Formula 2.
Yet, in an impressive first season, he stepped up and was more than a match for the much more experienced Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso and then showed great consistency in his nine races at Red Bull, having replaced Pierre Gasly after the summer break.
Perhaps the only critique was Albon didn’t quite look ready to go toe-to-toe with the biggest names on the grid once he was promoted, but Horner expects stability and proper preparation will change that this year.
“It’s probably the first time since his karting career that he’s had that,” he commented via Motorsport.
“He’ll only benefit from that. He’s had a lot of adversity to deal with during his career.
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“You see people’s make-up in adversity and I think he’s shown that determination, that character, and I’ve got no doubt he’ll benefit from stability now.
“And he shares many of the same virtues that Max has with that ability to cope with pressure, that determination.”
Yet, while Verstappen has set a clear target of challenging Lewis Hamilton for the championship in 2020, and would likely need Albon’s help in that endeavour, the Red Bull chief is being quite loose with his expectations of the 23-year-old.
“There’s no specific goals [for 2020], he’s just got to continue his development,” Horner stated. “You’ve seen every race he’s done with us, he’s just got better and better.
“He was unlucky in Brazil, but I think he’s driven brilliantly well – first year, two [different] teams plus the pressure of coming here and having Max Verstappen as your teammate.
“He’s handled that really well. I think he’s impressed the whole team with his approach and his attitude, with his feedback, with his pace that continues to grow.”