The layout of the Sochi Autodrom “accentuated” Alex Albon’s struggles at the Russian Grand Prix, according to Re꧅d Bull Formula 1 team principal Christian Horner.

Albon was over a second slower than Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in qualifying and finished the Russian Grand Prix 10th, half a minute behind the Dutchman and nearly a full lap behind race-winner Valtter⭕i Bottas.

It followe⛄d the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello where Albon claimed a long-awaited maiden F1 podium having made encouragin💎g progress in recent races.

The Thai racer has struggled with the inconsistent balance of this year’s༒ RB16 more than Verstappen and Horner believes the layout of the Sochi circuit exacerbated the difficultie♛s Albon already faces.

"Alex is particularly sensitive to some of the characteristics of💞 the car," Horner explained.

"He's struggling with that and they're ac🉐centuated at this type of circuit ꦇwith short corners and big braking zones.

"Obviously there is plenty to looꦑk at for him. His second half of the race, he recovered reasonably well, but obviously it's been a tough weekend for him.

"So it was a shame, after the podium two weeks ago, thatও this one has probably been one of the hardest of the year for 🃏him."

Horner𒉰 revealed that Red Bull is working on solutions to the problem in a bid to make♛ the car more suited to Albon’s liking and driving style.

"I think we've understood some of th꧋e issues that we've got with the car," he said.

"Obviously we are working hard to address those. And♏ I think hopefully in the remaining races, we should be able to, I hope, take steps that will improve the car in that area."