Alexander Albon, 22, is now the second Formula One racer in history to drive under the Thai flag with the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso.
Red Bull gave Albon a second chance after he was dropped from their driver program in 2012.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula 1 next year,” Albon said.
He is the first Thai driver racing in F1 since the 1950s, the very first being Prince Bira, who was a member of the Thai royal family.
“I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in F1. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”
Toro Rosso pricinpal Franz Tost had said that Albon was ready to be a Formula 1 racer.
“Alexander had an impressive Formula 2 season in 2018. He won four races and finished the Championship third,” Tost said. “The way he is able to overtake many of his rivals in the races shows that he is ready and matured to race in Formula 1.”
Images via Instagram / @alex_albon
