British-born Alexander Albon To Race In Formula 1 Next Year

Twenty two year old British-born racing driver Alexander Albon will race for the Red Bull junior team, Toro Rosso, in Formula 1 next year.

Albon, who is British/Thai, has been rumoured for some time to replace New Zealander Brendon Hartley at the Italian based team and the confirmation has now been given.

This means there will be four British-born drivers in F1 next year as Albon lines up alongside Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and his fellow rookies George Russell (Williams) and Lando Norris (McLaren). Russell, Norris and Albon have been competing in Formula 2 this year and claimed the top three positions in the championship.

Nissan had signed Albon to drive for them in the all-electric Formula E series, but when his Formula 1 opportunity came along a deal was ultimately agreed to release him. A delighted Albon commented “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.”

His Toro Rosso team-mate next year will be the Russian driver Daniil Kvyat, who previously raced for the outfit for four years before having his contract terminated last year.

In other news of interest to British Formula 1 fans, 2009 champion Jenson Button has just been announced as part of the Sky F1 presenting team for next year.