By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Alexander Albon has been officially announced by Scuderia Toro Rosso as its second driver for the 2019 Formula One season.
The 22-year-old British-born Thai driver partners alongside Daniil Kvyat, who spent this year as a development driver with Ferrari after spending the previous five seasons under the Red Bull umbrella.
Albon captured four wins en route to third in the Formula 2 championship, finishing behind titlist George Russell and runner-up Lando Norris, both of whom were also recently announced for 2019 seats at Williams and McLaren, respectively.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula One next year,” Albon said. “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 (Helmut) Marko for believing in me and giving me a second chance.
“I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in Formula 1. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”
The outcomes from this year in the top junior formula category was enough to get the attention of Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost.
“Alexander had an impressive Formula 2 season in 2018,” Tost said. “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.
“Scuderia Toro Rosso is very much looking forward to 2019, as with Daniil and Alex we have two young, very strong and competitive drivers.”
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