A similar incident unfolded during the first race of the COVID-affected 2020 season, the Austrian Grand Prix. Albon, having just pitted for soft tires before a late Safety Car period, seemed poised to challenge for victory. However, as he went around the outside of Hamilton at Turn 4, Hamilton ran wide and clipped Albon’s rear, sending him spinning into the gravel. Shortly after, Albon retired from the race due to an electrical issue. Once again, Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty, finishing in fourth place.
“These collisions have left me frustrated!” Albon exclaimed over the team radio after the second collision in three races.
Helmut Marko, who played a role in the decision to replace Albon with Sergio Perez for the following year, believes that these incidents significantly impacted Albon’s confidence and self-belief.
