Toro Rosso Signs Formula 2 Thai Driver Alexander Albon For 2019

Scuderia Toro Rosso has signed 22-year old British/Thai driver Alexander Albon, following his excellent progression in Formula 2 this past season.

Albon will race alongside Daniil Kvyat for Toro Rosso in 2019 replacing Brendon Hartley, who could only manage to secure 4 points throughout 2018, the second-worst performance on the grid ahead of Williams’ Sergey Sirotkin.

“Alexander had an impressive Formula 2 season in 2018. He won four races and finished the Championship third. 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,” stated Toro Rosso pricinpal Franz Tost. “Scuderia Toro Rosso is very much looking forward to 2019, as with Daniil and Alex we have two young, very strong and competitive drivers.”

Albon first joined the Red Bull program in 2012, and in 2016, he finished second in GP3 to Charles Leclerc, who will race for Ferrari next year. Also, since Albon races under the Thailand flag, 2019 will mark the first time a Thai driver has been on the grid in Formula 1 since Prince Birabongse in the early ’50s.

In order to join Toro Rosso, Albon had to be released from his Formula E contract, which he had recently signed for 2018-2019 with the Nissan e.dams team.

“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula 1 next year,” said the 22-year old. “Throughout my single seater career, I went through a few ups and downs. I was dropped by Red Bull in 2012, so from then I knew my road to Formula 1 was going to be a lot harder. I worked really hard and tried to impress every time I got in the car, and I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull and Dr. Marko for believing in me and giving me a second chance.”