Alexander Albon determined to reclaim his Red Bull seat

22 February 2021 - 20:35 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing walks to the garage before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 11 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing walks to the garage before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 11 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

British-born Thai racer Alexander Albon said on Monday Formula One remained his priority and he was determined to bounce back after being dropped to a reserve role by Red Bull for 2021.

The 24-year-old has been replaced by experienced Mexican Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen after being outperformed by the young Dutchman last year.

Speaking to reporters by Zoom, Albon said he had overcome similar setbacks in the past. “I have been dropped before, it's not been the first time,” he said. “What I learnt was, how much do you want it? I want it more than I would say anyone on the grid. With that comes a lot of determination.

“I won't stop at any point so for me it's just about putting my head down. I got through it before, I've been able to get to where I am because of all the hard work I have done. And I want that seat back.”

Albon was also dropped by Red Bull as a junior driver in 2012 but came back into the fold when he joined Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri, at the end of 2018 after finishing third in the Formula Two championship.

Perez, 31, was preferred for this year as Red Bull decided they needed an experienced driver to help the team mount a stronger challenge to champions Mercedes.

Albon, who will attend races in his reserve role and also compete in the DTM (German Touring Car championship), said there was no point feeling sorry for himself.

“It hasn't been all that bleak. There haven't been any violins in the background,” he said. “I'm confident in myself, I know I can bounce back.

“The team know what I'm capable of. They would have gotten rid of me if they didn't believe in me. They still trust me, they still have faith in what I can do.”


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now