Alex Albon is in the hot seat at Red Bull Racing, but the British-Thai racer claims he is feeling no "extra pressure" despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with his team.
Albon has struggled this season to remain in the wake of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, a shortfall that has weakened the 24-year-old's position with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
But team boss Christian Horner remains supportive of his driver while Red Bull motorsport chief Helmut Marko insists Albon needs to deliver good results to keep his drive with the senior bull squad.
Albon's overdue podium at the Tuscan GP certainly helped his cause. But since, the Red Bull charger has scored but a single point in Russia, making a mess of his Eifel GP.
©RedBull
The performance shortfall, coupled with rumors that Red Bull could be interested in drafting in Nico Hulkenberg or Sergio Perez, or promoting Pierre Gasly back to the A team, has undoubtedly increased the pressure on Albon, even if the latter claims he isn't feeling the heat.
"The situation is still the same," Albon said. "Obviously, we are still pushing hard.
"I feel a lot of support from the guys and girls. On my side, it’s just focusing on the races ahead.
"I know I’ve got to do a good job but I am motivated to do that. In terms of pressure, there’s always pressure but nothing extra. I just want to have a good few races."
Albon actually shines a positive light on his progress of late.
"I think actually on paper my qualifying has been improving through the year," he said.
"The races, actually haven’t been too bad, just as a team but also working out the starts a bit better, the Renaults and Ferraris seem to get off the line really well.
"It’s always been a bit of catchup and of course, just a mistake at the Nürburgring where I locked up which stopped the whole strategy for the race.
"But as I said, things are going in the right way but I just need to firstly get off the line a bit better but also have a bit cleaner races. I am sure we will get the results."
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