Alexander Albon joins F1 team Toro Rosso as of 2019 season

By  Azertac 

Italian Formula One racing team Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda announced on Monday that Thai driver Alexander Albon is to drive for them starting next season, alongside his upcoming Russian teammate Daniil Kvyat, according to EFE News Agency.

The 22-year-old Thai driver started his career in karting at a young age, claiming early successes, as he won the 2006 Super 1 Honda National Championship (Cadet Class), the 2009 Super 1 Honda National Championship (KF3 Class) and the 2010 European Championship (KF3 Class).

"Scuderia Toro Rosso is pleased to announce that Alexander Albon will drive for the team in the 2019 Formula One season, alongside Daniil Kvyat," the team said in an official statement.

They added that the British-born Albon was competing in Formula Two category through this finished season, saying "Up until last weekend in Abu Dhabi, he was one of only two drivers who could have won the title."

"It is such an amazing feeling to know that I'm in Formula One next year," Albon was cited by Toro Rosso's website as saying. "I have always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it is been my dream to be in Formula One. To be given this opportunity is just incredible."

Toro Rosso Principal, Franz Tost, praised the young driver and his career in Formula Two, saying "The way he is able to overtake many of his rivals in the races shows that he is ready and matured to race in Formula One."

"Scuderia Toro Rosso is very much looking forward to 2019, as with Daniil and Alex we have two young, very strong and competitive drivers," Tost added.