Brundle: "Albon's Honda engine seems more reliable than that of Verstappen"

At the start of the first Formula 1 race on the circuit of Mugello, Max Verstappen seemed to get away well. After a few meters, he was overtaken by many drivers as his engine clearly lacked power. Two corners later he was in the gravel trap again, after getting stuck in the midfield.

"For the second consecutive Sunday, and the third time in nine races, Verstappen was having power unit problems which would almost certainly have led to retirement anyway, and he's understandably not impressed," said Martin Brundle in his column on Sky Sports.

Pressure on the shoulders of Albon

"Strangely the same units in his team-mate Alex Albon's car and the sister team of Alpha Tauri for Gasly and Daniil Kvyat seem more reliable," continues the commentator. The other cars with a Honda engine do not have the same level of technical problems as the Dutchman.

After the failure of Verstappen, it was up to Albon to get the points. According to Brundle, the British Thai didn't disappoint. "Albon had the mighty Red Bull team resting on his shoulders after Verstappen's retirement and he didn't disappoint with some fine overtakes around the outside of turn one. His risk and reward ratio seems better judged now and it was a very timely and well-deserved podium for him," According to the former driver, this is an important moment in Albon's career and could ensure he uses his full potential for the rest of the season.