Alex Albon: “I keep my feet on the ground”

Promoted to Red Bull Racing for the last nine races of the year, Alex Albon admits not to be worried about the challenge that awaits him and which will govern a large part of his future in F1.

Published on 28/08/2019 à 11:57

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Alex Albon: “I keep my feet on the ground”

The heart of summer will have been the opportunity for Red Bull to move its lines for the end of the season. More convinced by the services of Pierre Gasly, the Austrian entity has chosen to promote Alex Albon from the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend in the seat of the RB15 – Honda, thereby relegating the Frenchman to the Toro Rosso.

A hell of a challenge for Albon, only at the head of 12 races on the clock and who will have to face the gifted internally Max Verstappen. And also meet the expectations of Christian Horner, Helmut Marko and the Red Bull management who will judge on the last nine races to make their choice for the 2020 line-ups.

Despite this necessarily complicated context to understand, Alex Albon remains enthusiastic before his premiere at the wheel of a car able to play leading roles. “Few drivers get the chance to drive a car capable of winning a race this early in their career. F1, so it's a great opportunity to drive for Red Bull, indicates the Thai.

It's a big step, a big difference. We know what the car is capable of and we have seen what Max has been able to do this year. I want to see how it feels compared to what I'm used to doing, but at the same time I know this weekend is my first in the car, I'm still learning and improving as a that pilot and there are definitely more things to come.

I know one of the main differences will be the attention this change gets, but I keep my feet on the ground. I'm just focusing on the work I have to do for Spa, I'm going to listen and observe a lot. »

Albon will also return to a track which had been rather successful for him with a podium during the FIA sprint race. F2. Enough to give him a little advantage when launching into the unknown with his new team. “We have done as much preparation in the simulator as possible, so now we will go over the procedures with the team and get to know each other, continues Albon.

It's a big step, but I've taken such leaps before and seized the opportunities presented to me. I am focused and ready to be as strong as possible for the second half of the season.” And thus convince Red Bull Racing to extend it for 2020?