Formula 1 chief Ross Brawn believes Alex Al♏bon is “doing a good enough job” to warrant retaining his Red Bull seat for the 2021 season.

After finishing outside of the points in a difficult race at Monza while Pierre Gasly - who Albon replaced at Red Bull mid-way through last season - claimed a shock maiden win for AlphaTauri, the Thai racer bounced back in style to record his first ♔F1 podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix.

Despite🀅 being repeatedly backed by Red Bull bosses Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, Albon had found himself under increasing pressure after struggling to m♚atch the level of performance managed by teammate Max Verstappen so far this season.

But in claiming a long-awaited first podium, Albon has provided the perfect answer to any criticism he has faced, accord🥂ing to Brawn.

“Alex Albon has had a fair bit of flak this season, and will have found it hard to see Pierre Gasly – the driver he replaceꦚd at Red Bull midway through last year – secure his maiden victory last weekend while he failed to score,” Brawn said.

“But at Mugello, he drove beautifully – a🧸nd he certainly had to work for it. Some of his overtaking moves were outstanding, particularly the pass on Daniel Ricciardo for third.

“In Max Verstappen, Albon has a stellar teamm🦩ate and it’s always 🌄going to be challenging for him – or anyone in that seat.

“I think he’s doing a good enough job to maintain his seat ඣ– and this podium will have done wonders for his confidence.”

Hor🥂ner concurred with Brawn’s assessment, stating that a maiden rostrum appearance will boost Albon’s confidence.

And Ho♑rner - who played down talk of a possible reverse seat swap between Albon and Gasly - has backed his driver to continue to make great strides in the remainder of the campaign.

"This podium for him will give him a boost of confidence and self-belief,” Horner told Sky F1 after the race. “I think he really will build from here quite 🐲niꦐcely."