Alexander Albon's 2021 season saw him transition from a full-time Formula 1 race seat to a pivotal reserve and test driver role for Red Bull Racing, while concurrently competing in the DTM series. After two seasons with Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing, culminating in his demotion from the main Red Bull seat at the end of 2020, Albon embraced a multifaceted role that kept him deeply embedded within the F1 paddock and competitive motorsport.
Going in
Following a challenging 2020 season where he struggled to consistently match teammate Max Verstappen, Albon was replaced by Sergio Pérez for the 2021 Red Bull Racing lineup. Instead of a complete departure from Formula 1, Red Bull retained him as their official reserve and test driver. This position was critical for the team, especially given the intense championship battle anticipated against Mercedes in the V6 turbo-hybrid era. Albon's experience in the car and understanding of the team's operational philosophy made him an invaluable asset for simulator development and trackside support. Simultaneously, Red Bull facilitated his entry into the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) with AF Corse, driving a Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo, providing him a platform to maintain race fitness and competitive instinct away from the F1 grid.
How it played out
Albon's year was characterized by a dual focus. His primary F1 responsibility involved extensive simulator work, often late into the night, providing crucial data and setup feedback for Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez ahead of Grand Prix weekends. This behind-the-scenes contribution was frequently acknowledged by the team as vital to their car development and performance gains, particularly in a season where every tenth of a second mattered. He was a constant presence in the Red Bull garage, offering insights and being prepared to step in should a race driver be unavailable. This dedication to the team's championship aspirations was a testament to his commitment. In parallel, his DTM campaign saw him adapt to GT3 machinery, securing a victory at the Nürburgring and two additional podium finishes, demonstrating his raw speed and ability to compete in a different discipline. This period allowed him to rebuild confidence and showcase his racing prowess outside the direct F1 spotlight, a trajectory somewhat mirrored by Pierre Gasly — 2021 season who was solidifying his position at AlphaTauri after his own Red Bull stint.