Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Max Verstappen's dominance exposes a structural
problem within Red Bull Racing: no teammate could come even close
to the Dutchman. According to former F1 driver Christijan
Albers, this is not only due to Verstappen's level, but also to how
extremely the car is tuned to his style.
“Max is naturally unique,” Albers begin in the
Formula 1 podcast of De Telegraaf about the exceptional
qualities of the four-time world champion.
“This guy is a huge natural
talent but in his own way. You see in Austria, but actually for
years, that he has a completely different driving style than almost every other
driver. It's really remarkable to see,” he explains.
Albers sees the 'way' Verstappen can be fast
According to Albers, people sometimes think too lightly of Verstappen's unique
ability. “This guy can drive with an incredibly aggressive
front, making the rear of the car almost unable to
keep up,” he explains.
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However, he quickly adds a caveat: “Only in this way is he fast.”
“We have seen in the past that Sergio Perez
was faster when the character of the car was different,” continues the former Formula
1 turned analyst.
“It was impossible for Perez to be faster, because Max is a
much more significant talent, but you see what happens when the car does not fit your
driving style well.”
After the much-discussed departure of Adrian Newey to Aston
Martin, technical director Pierre Waché now has the daunting task of improving the RB21 with his squad.
Albers wonders to what extent Red
Bull Racing can manage to do that. “There are supposed to be a lot of updates in the
pipeline. Well, a few have arrived, but you see that they're still
not there,” he concludes.
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About the updates, talking to GPblog among others over the weekend, the four-time world champion said: "There are bits coming. Is it enough to challenge McLaren? I'm not sure yet. Probably not. But, I also don't want to sound depressed. I know that everyone in the team always gives it 100%."
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