Alexander Albon at Toro Rosso: the last cockpit is busy

26/11/2018
Andreas Haupt

The field of Formula 1 drivers for the 70th season of the premier clbad is complete. Assuming Lance Stroll is confirmed at Force India, no one doubts. Alexander Albon takes the place of Brendon Hartley in Toro Rosso. This was announced by the Red Bull Junior Team on Monday night (26.11.2018) after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The second driver of Toro Rosso is Daniil Kvyat, whom the team had already announced on the sidelines of the Russia GP.

Albon outweighs the second candidate, Daniel Ticktum, who has however only benefited from external opportunities. Unlike the second Formula 3 European Championship, Albon has already collected all the points needed for the Super License. Ticktum misses five points for this. He can win it peacefully in New Zealand in winter.

Second chance for Albon

Albon, 22, took second place in the 2016 GP3 Championship behind teammate Charles Leclerc. In the final of Formula 2 season 2 in Abu Dhabi, he was the only driver to have a title shot alongside George Russell, even though he was very small. Russell won the championship, DAMS Albon driver slipped to third behind Lando Norris. All three will meet again next season in Formula 1. Russell drives for Williams, Norris for McLaren.

Photo: sutton-images.com

Alexander Albon was third in the 2018 Formula 2 season.

The name Albon appeared late on the list of candidates. The first rumors about him came around the GP Japan in the paddock. In fact, Albon had already signed a contract for Nissan in Formula E. The contract was resolved before signing Toro Rosso.

Similar to more than a year ago with his predecessor Hartley, Helmut Marko Albon, head of Red Bull Motorsport, gives a second chance. Born in London, this Thai-born man, who also has a Thai racing license, was pulled out of Red Bull's junior program in 2012 after only a year. "From that point on, the path to Formula One was tough," says Albon. "I have to thank Red Bull and Dr. Marko for this second chance, I worked hard for that."

The Albon case shows how, at the Hartley era, Red Bull's junior program is currently sparsely populated, with regard to potential Formula One candidates. Toro Rosso's team boss, Franz Tost, is delighted that his duo of pilots is finally complete. "Alex convinced us in Formula 2 with his four victories in the race, and the way he goes above impresses us, we have a young, strong and competitive duo with him and Daniil."