Toro Rosso has announced Thai-British driver Alexander Albon will drive for the team alongside Daniil Kvyat in 2019.
Albon spent 2018 competing in Formula 2, eventually ending the year third overall behind George Russell and Lando Norris — both of whom have earned F1 promotions to Williams and McLaren respectively. Albon had been set to drive in Formula E for the Nissan squad but it was announced earlier today that the two parties had officially parted ways.
The 22-year-old was dropped by the Red Bull driver programme in 2012, but will return to the Red Bull family in the form of Toro Rosso.
Speaking of the announcement, Albon said: “It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula One next year. 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. I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in Formula One. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”