Brawn: "Albon always has a challenge in Verstappen"

Alexander Albon has received a lot of criticism over the past year. But with his first podium in Tuscany, the British Thai has shown enough, according to Ross Brawn, to keep his seat for next year.

After every race in which Alexander Albon achieved a disappointing performance compared to teammate Max Verstappen, a number of names came along that would make a good replacement for the British Thai - including Sebastian Vettel, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg.

According to Ross Brawn, the Italian Grand Prix didn't help. "Alex Albon has had a fair bit of flak this season, and will have found it hard to see Pierre Gasly – the driver he replaced at Red Bull midway through last year – secure his maiden victory last weekend while he failed to score," said Liberty Media's top man in his Formula1.com column.

Always a challenge at Red Bull

"But at Mugello, he drove beautifully – and he certainly had to work for it. Some of his overtaking moves were outstanding, particularly the pass on Daniel Ricciardo for third," Brawn continues.

According to the F1 managing director, Albon doesn't have an easy job. "In Max Verstappen, Albon has a stellar teammate and it’s always going to be challenging for him – or anyone in that seat. I think he’s doing a good enough job to maintain his seat – and this podium will have done wonders for his confidence," concluded Brawn.