Alex Albon after hearing Franz Hermann: ‘I’ve heard that name before’

14:06, 15 May

Updated: 14:19, 15 May

bySienna Ionta

Leading up to the Grand Prix of Imola, many drivers were asked about Max Verstappen's test on the Nordschleife last week. Alex Albon was also asked about ‘Franz Hermann’, but had to think for a moment upon hearing the name. Speaking to GPblog and others, he acknowledged that Verstappen was right to conduct the test.

Verstappen drives the most kilometers on the entire grid

‘I’ve heard it mentioned before,’ was Albon’s response to whether he recognized the name Franz Hermann. When he found out it was Max Verstappen’s pseudonym during the test on the Nordschleife, a light bulb went off.

‘Yes, that’s it, that’s why I knew I’d heard that name before. It’s good for him. He’s the driver who drives the most, and I think that’s impressive. I don’t know what the lap times were, and nobody does, but the fact that he is constantly driving. Whether it’s in the simulator or in a non-Formula 1 car.’

Alex Albon during the GP of Miami

Driving a lot is like reading the newspaper

Verstappen was sick two weeks ago, but according to Albon, that’s no impediment for the Dutchman in his driving schedule. ‘He loves what he does and is passionate about racing. That’s what makes him so good.’ Albon was also asked if he would consider driving another car during a race season.

‘You have to realize that driving is something good. You can compare it to reading the newspaper; doing so improves your knowledge. Driving a car, no matter if it’s a F1 car, teaches you how to drive faster.'

‘It definitely helps in Formula 1. Not everyone has the opportunity. I say this because I’ve raced in DTM, and that car compares well with his. It was different from Formula 1, but I learned how to race with different types of cars,’ concludes Albon.