Boost for Albon: ''Now together with Verstappen cause problems at Mercedes''

A second driver in a Formula 1 team is essential. Valtteri Bottas shows that time and again alongside Lewis Hamilton, but Red Bull Racing was also able to cheer a little this weekend. Alexander Albon was on the podium for the first time.

In the battle for the championship, a fast first driver is of course important, but the second driver may be just as important. He or she helps develop the car, gives the team strategic options in the race and ensures the maximum points if the top driver does not have his or her day.

Mercedes versus Red Bull

''Bottas had a very strong weekend again. He was very frustrated that he lost his lead at the restart, but the margins are small between a good and a bad start. All in all he pushed Lewis to the limit again this weekend and that gives Mercedes the strongest driver duo on the grid'', says Mika Hakkinen in his column for Unibet.com.

The two-time world champion saw an improvement at Red Bull Racing. ''Albon's third place is very important, because Red Bull and Honda are fast this year, but entirely dependent on Max Verstappen. You need two good drivers. However, this podium will give Albon a boost and hopefully he can support Max a bit more so that together they can cause problems at Mercedes'', the Finn concludes.