David Coulthard on Williams and Alex Albon: “This isn’t a new girlfriend”

When Alex Albon finished eighth in the Monaco Grand Prix, scoring four points, this was partly down to the numerous penalties and retirements that had slowed down or knocked out of the race a number of significantly stronger drivers. The Londoner was delighted with the points, but he wasn’t under any illusions. He knew that the next race in Barcelona would be no walk in the park either.

However, even the 30-year-old hadn’t expected to cross the line a full eleven laps behind. The reason was quickly identified: the camera on his car had come loose from its mount, causing an unscheduled stop that turned into a 14-minute enforced break.

Frustration sets in

Albon did head out onto the track again, but that was more for testing purposes; the race was effectively over for him, and in the end, having completed just 55 of the 66 race laps, he failed to finish in the points. The frustration is immense – and Albon makes no secret of his feelings, venting his anger in no uncertain terms during his media interviews and over the pit-to-car radio. David Coulthard is very understanding of this, as he emphasises in the ‘Up to Speed’ podcast.

The Scot notes: “I think the frustration is obvious when you listen to his radio messages and just look at him.” And, referring to the fact that Albon has been driving for the Williams team since 2022, he emphasises: “This isn’t a new girlfriend he’s all excited about. It’s a relationship, and a lot has happened in that relationship.”

David Coulthard: “Formula 1 isn’t a 9-to-5 job”

“Being a racing driver requires an enormous amount of emotional, physical and lifelong commitment. It’s not something you can simply switch off on Friday evening and switch back on again on Monday morning. It’s not a 9-to-5 job,” clarifies the 13-time Grand Prix winner.

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And Coulthard adds: “He has devoted himself entirely to this journey, and the journey hasn’t brought him any closer to the moon. So I think he’s understandably thinking: ‘Look, I’ve been on this journey for a long time. What’s going wrong? Why aren’t we seeing any of the progress that I believe has been made over the last few races?’”