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Williams Formula 1 driver Alex Albon has been a steadfast source of advice and support for Yuki Tsunoda, who is currently facing significant uncertainty regarding his future at Red Bull. Albon's personal journey at Red Bull, having once partnered with Max Verstappen, provides him with a unique perspective on the immense pressures and challenges that Tsunoda is now enduring.

Albon, who made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2019, quickly ascended to the main Red Bull team in the same year. He recalls joining the team just six months into his F1 career, a period he now identifies as particularly challenging due to an uncomfortable car and a lack of experience to effectively address the situation. This firsthand experience has allowed him to deeply empathize with Tsunoda's current predicament.

Tsunoda's situation mirrors Albon's past struggles in several ways. He replaced Liam Lawson at Red Bull after only two races of the 2025 season, and his performance is now under intense scrutiny as he competes for a 2026 contract. Rumors circulating within the F1 paddock suggest that Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is being eyed for the highly coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2026, leaving Tsunoda and Lawson to contend for a spot at Racing Bulls alongside Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad.

Speaking on the BBC's 'Chequered Flag' podcast, Albon openly acknowledged the difficulties of being Verstappen's teammate, stating, \"I empathize with it. I see it quite clearly.\" He highlighted that his own lack of experience and maturity at the time hindered his ability to navigate the challenges presented by an uncomfortable car and the pressure of competing against a top-tier driver. He continued, \"I speak with Yuki a lot, and try to help him in any way I can.\"

Albon expressed his admiration for Tsunoda, emphasizing their strong relationship. He also acknowledged the exceptional talent of Max Verstappen, whom he described as \"arguably the best driver that's driven a Formula 1 car.\" Albon further elaborated on Verstappen's unique ability to drive a car that might not be perfectly comfortable and effectively mask any underlying issues, cementing his status as a formidable competitor.

Drawing from his own journey, Albon understands the profound impact that such high-stakes competition can have on a driver's career and mental well-being. His regular conversations and mentorship aim to equip Tsunoda with the insights and resilience needed to navigate the demanding environment of Formula 1 and secure his future in the sport.

NASCAR's managing director for competition operations, Jusan Hamilton, has concluded his tenure with the organization, departing with six events still left in the 2025 racing calendar. The decision for his exit is not believed to be performance-based. At present, no replacement has been named to fill the vacant role.

Hamilton's history with NASCAR dates back to a 2012 internship, after which he rejoined the sanctioning body in 2016. Since then, he has undertaken a variety of key responsibilities, making significant contributions to the sport's operational and developmental aspects. His career highlights include overseeing critical initiatives such as the Drive for Diversity program, which aims to foster inclusion within motorsport, and playing a pivotal role in pit crew development. Furthermore, he was instrumental in managing the pro iRacing NASCAR divisions, demonstrating his adaptability and expertise across different facets of racing.

A notable milestone in Hamilton's career was his appointment as race director for a Cup Series event in 2018, marking his debut in this crucial leadership position at Pocono Raceway. This experience underscored his capabilities in managing live race operations and ensuring fair and competitive proceedings.

In 2022, Hamilton achieved another significant career benchmark by becoming the first Black race director to officiate the prestigious Daytona 500, succeeding Tim Bermann. This appointment was a testament to his growing influence and respect within the sport, and it highlighted NASCAR's commitment to diversity at the highest levels of competition. Beyond race direction, Hamilton was also a key architect in shaping NASCAR's annual schedule, contributing to the selection of new venues and the broader expansion of the sport's reach.

The departure of Jusan Hamilton leaves a void in NASCAR's competition operations department. His extensive experience, particularly in race direction and strategic planning, has been a valuable asset to the organization. As NASCAR moves forward, the search for a new leader to fill this important role will undoubtedly focus on individuals who can continue to uphold the integrity of the sport and contribute to its ongoing evolution.