Alexander Albon firmly believes that Max Verstappen benefits from his ventures outside of Formula 1. The Dutchman recently drove a GT3 car on the iconic Nordschleife – an experience that, according to Albon, is not only enjoyable but also contributes to his development as a driver. “I always compare it to expanding your vocabulary,” says the British-Thai driver.
Max Verstappen was once again found on the Nordschleife the weekend before the Singapore GP. There, the Dutchman not only participated in a GT3 race on the famous German track, but also won. Alexander Albon sees the advantage of Verstappen’s adventures on the Nürburgring. “You can learn a lot from driving different cars,” Albon explains during the press conference leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix.
“I always compare it to expanding your vocabulary. When you read a book, you learn new words. When you drive other cars, you expand your toolbox as a driver.” According to the Williams driver, it helps to master new techniques and understand how different cars work. “You learn other ways to be fast, discover new techniques and challenges. You learn more about the limits of a car and how to drive around them.”
GT Experience as a Learning School
Albon himself drove in GT cars during his year outside of Formula 1 in 2021, when he raced for Red Bull in the DTM. According to him, these types of cars offer completely different challenges than a Formula 1 car. “GT cars have electronics, ABS, and traction control. Sometimes it feels like you’re not driving on the grip of the tires, but on the limit of the systems. That was the case for me at least.” These experiences have shaped him as a driver, he says. “In a strange way, I had to learn to handle a car differently. I think such things help you to become a more complete driver.”
Albon sees the same eagerness to learn in his former teammate Max Verstappen. The Dutchman recently drove on the Nordschleife in a GT3 car – an experience that, according to Albon, goes beyond just a fun excursion. “Max drives in every car he can get into. And when you talk to him, you notice that he really thinks about it. He is seriously working on improving himself as a driver.”
