Lewis Hamilton puts onus on Red Bull as he calls for Alexander Albon support

Lewis Hamilton is well-aware of the ruthless nature of Red Bull over recent years as the Austrian team looks for a suitable driver to support their talented number one driver, Max Verstappen.

At the beginning of the season that job fell to Pierre Gasly, however, the Frenchman’s poor performances saw him replaced by Albon after the Hungary Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old swapped positions as he joined Red Bull and Gasly moved back to their sister team Toro Rosso.

Red Bull said the decision would allow them to see how Albon does in the remaining nine races before deciding who would driver alongside Verstappen in 2020.

And Hamilton, who is seeking a sixth F1 world championship, has been impressed by what he has seen from the young driver and hopes Red Bull don’t abandon him if they decide to go with a different driver next season.

“I hope Red Bull give him the support over the years,” said Hamilton.

“It’s very, very important because they often spit drivers out pretty quick if they don’t always do the job.

“I hope they’re good to him.”

Albon, who was born in London but races under the Thailand flag, has scored points in all of his six races for Red Bull this season, with his best finish being a fourth place in Suzuka at the Japanese Grand Prix.

However, despite the youngster being only at the beginning of his Formula One career, Hamilton admires what Albon has accomplished already.

“I think this year has been a real challenge to go up against a driver that’s been spoken so highly of by so many people and built up onto a pedestal,” said Hamilton.

“And to come in so young, and with all the difficulties he’s had in his life as well, his life story is quite an interesting one, against all adversity.

“But he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

Albon currently sits eighth in the driver standings on 74 points.

He is three points behind Gasly, who is in sixth, but with three races still remaining in the season there is plenty of opportunity for the driver to secure his seat with Red Bull next season.

Formula One continues this weekend at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

source: express.co.uk