Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is widely recognized as one of the most gifted drivers of his era. Speaking at the 2024 Gulf Speed Festival, Alex Albon praised Verstappen as the most naturally talented F1 driver, reflecting on their time as teammates and the challenges he faced racing alongside the Dutchman.
Alex Albon began his Formula 1 career in 2019 with Toro Rosso before being promoted mid-season to Red Bull Racing, where he partnered with Verstappen after replacing Pierre Gasly. While Verstappen regularly secured race wins and podiums, Albon managed only two podium finishes during his stint with Red Bull. Subsequently, Sergio Perez took Albon’s seat for the 2021 season, and Albon later joined Williams in 2022 after a year out of the sport.
During an interview with Motorsport content creator Yuri Turbo, Albon talked about what it meant to race against Verstappen as a teammate. He stated,
“He’s a quick driver. I think he’s the most naturally talent driver, I’m thinking, maybe in the history, he’s tough. I was his teammate, didn’t go that well for me. But it was quite an experience.”
Albon also commented on the competitive dynamics of the 2024 season, noting that teams like McLaren were catching up to Verstappen’s pace. He added,
“I think it’s going to be interesting this year. He’s fighting for the championship and his car is not as quick as the guys catching him. But I think we’re going to-see what he’s made of. He’s already proven it to be honest but he’s going to have to dig deep for the rest of the year.”
Max Verstappen successfully maintained his championship lead last season, securing his fourth world title despite mounting pressure from rivals.
Insights from Red Bull’s Rising Stars and Crew on Verstappen’s Character
In August 2025, Red Bull Racing released a new episode of “Behind the Charge,” highlighting Max Verstappen’s contributions on and off the track. The episode featured his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, former teammate Alex Albon, and F1 rookies Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto, who shared their perspectives on the Dutch driver’s nature.
Albon remarked on how Verstappen is often misunderstood but emphasized his supportive role within the team. Fellow Red Bull sister team driver Isack Hadjar expressed,
“If I have any requests, any advice, I want to receive any questions. He’s here and he’s very open.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto added,
“Maybe he doesn’t show this to the cameras, or people don’t actually see how great of a person he is and how good of a heart he has for young people and how much he’s willing to help.”
Additionally, rookies such as Kimi Antonelli are frequently seen interacting with Verstappen during race week events and driver parades, illustrating his willingness to mentor newcomers.
Verstappen’s Enduring Impact and the Road Ahead
Max Verstappen’s extraordinary natural talent combined with his competitive spirit has cemented his legacy as a leading figure in Formula 1. As teams like McLaren narrow the performance gap in 2024, Verstappen faces increased pressure to leverage his skills and experience to maintain his championship ambitions.
Alex Albon’s reflections underline both the difficulty of competing alongside Verstappen and the unique ability that defines him as possibly the most naturally talented F1 driver in history. The evolving championship battle will test Verstappen’s resolve further, while his approachability continues to inspire younger drivers aiming to follow in his footsteps.