Just four months before his Formula 1 debut, Alexander Albon seemed to be fading from the spotlight. Born in England but racing under the Thai flag, Albon had secured a Formula E deal by the end of 2018 and was even introduced by Nissan e.Dams. However, Red Bull’s top executive and talent scout, Helmut Marko, intervened.
Marko found himself with a vacancy in the junior team, Toro Rosso, and Albon had previously shown interest and initiative by reaching out to the Austrian: ‘Is there an opportunity for me here?’ Marko didn’t see any chances at the time, but acted quickly when they arose in the fall: Albon’s Formula E contract was bought out and a Red Bull deal was prepared. In March 2019, Albon made his Formula 1 debut with only four test days under his belt.
The Red Thread
Albon’s relationship with Red Bull has always been a constant in his career. As a young karting talent, he made waves in Red Bull colors, but the relationship ended as quickly as it began when things started to go downhill in motorsport. On his own, he managed to keep racing. Despite varying success, he eventually made it to the doorstep of Formula 1, the Formula 2.
Albon’s First Year and Early Promotion
In the royal class nursery, Albon’s first year with top team ART is not spectacular. However, things improve significantly in 2018 with Dams. He wins four races, keeps up with top talents George Russell and Lando Norris, and finishes third in the championship. As mentioned, it’s enough to convince Marko.
Premature Promotion
Once in Formula 1, Albon only needs half a year to impress again. And once again, he is promoted by Marko. However, it is primarily due to Pierre Gasly’s failure at Red Bull Racing that a seat becomes available during the 2019 summer break. Albon is behind in points compared to Toro Rosso teammate Daniil Kvyat, but Kvyat has already been dismissed by Red Bull once before. Marko sees more potential in Albon.
In retrospect, however, it must be concluded that Albon was thrown in at the deep end too early this time. Partly due to his lack of experience, he pales next to world-class Max Verstappen. It doesn’t help that he is pushed off the track by Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, losing his best chance of victory. Albon still achieves two podium finishes, but that’s small beer compared to Verstappen, and he has to leave the field at the end of 2020.
Detours
Albon, who is in a relationship with professional golfer Lily He, remains part of Red Bull’s driver roster. He is a test driver, reserve, and is parked in the DTM. The Thai flag next to his name is decisive. Red Bull’s major shareholders, the Yoovidhya family, are from Thailand and can be counted among Albon’s supporters. So much so that in 2022 he can join Williams with a Red Bull ‘dowry’. Albon recovers, seizes the opportunity with both hands, and earns a new Williams deal for 2023. It has taken several detours, but Albon finally seems to be a permanent fixture in Formula 1.
