Williams Formula 1 driver Alex Albon has revealed how a summer break e-foiling lesson in Sardinia unexpectedly led to an encounter with four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Speaking on Williams' official Team Torque podcast alongside team-mate Carlos Sainz and team principal James Vowles, Albon reflected on his busy summer schedule before sharing the amusing story of his unexpected meeting with Verstappen.
Key Takeaways from Albon's Summer Splash
- Alex Albon unexpectedly ran into Max Verstappen while learning how to e-foil during a summer trip to Sardinia.
- Albon was struggling to stay on the board when Verstappen effortlessly sped past him without Albon initially recognising him.
- Verstappen later joked that he had seen the Williams driver repeatedly falling off his e-foil.
- Albon returned from a busy break that also included trips to South Africa, the Dolomites and Monaco before finishing 16th in the Zandvoort sprint and qualifying 16th for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Albon Struggles to Master E-Foiling in Sardinia
During a four-day stay at a popular hotspot in Sardinia, Albon decided to try e-foiling, which involves riding an electrically powered surfboard fitted with a hydrofoil.
However, while Albon was still struggling to keep his balance and repeatedly falling into the water, another rider suddenly sped past him with remarkable ease.
The mystery rider was sitting on the edge of the board, with his legs almost hanging off the front, while travelling at full speed. "He looks like a Buddha, just like complete peace going through," Albon said.
The Mystery Rider Turned Out to Be Max Verstappen
Albon initially had no idea who the effortlessly fast e-foiler was. While he was struggling on the water, he watched the rider glide past and wondered who he could be.
It was only later that he discovered the rider was Verstappen. "I was like, 'Who is this guy?' while I'm like this [struggling]. It was Max," Albon explained.
Albon then told his partner Lily to take a look at the mysterious rider. Eventually, Lily and Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet, began chatting and realised they were staying next to each other.
Verstappen later revealed that he had noticed Albon's struggles on the water. "Oh, yeah. I saw you. I saw you falling off on your e-foil!"
Busy Summer Break for the Williams Driver
Albon's summer break was not limited to Sardinia. His itinerary also included a short trip to South Africa, a week spent in the Dolomites, and a final week of training in Monaco before Formula 1 returned to action. F1 resumed after the summer break with a sprint race weekend at Zandvoort. Albon finished 16th in the sprint race and also qualified 16th for the Dutch Grand Prix.
