Toro Rosso has confirmed Formula 2 race winner Alexander Albon at its second driver for the 2019 season, replacing Brendon Hartley.
Albon won four races during a promising 2018 campaign in which he finished third in the world championship behind Lando Norris and George Russell, the pair already confirmed on the Formula 1 grid next year.
The Thai-British driver had previously signed a deal to drive in Formula E with the Nissan e.dams team, only for Toro Rosso to pursue an interest in attaining his services for next season and negotiating a deal to get him out of his original contract.
The resulting deal means Albon will partner Daniil Kvyat at the Faenza-based outfit, with the Russian returning to F1 after a year on the sidelines.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula 1 next year,” said Albon.
“Throughout my single seater career, I went through a few ups and downs. I was dropped by Red Bull in 2012, so from then I knew my road to Formula 1 was going to be a lot harder.
“I worked really hard and tried to impress every time I got in the car, and I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull and Dr Marko for believing in me and giving me a second chance.
“I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in Formula 1. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost commented: “Alexander had an impressive Formula 2 season in 2018.
“He won four races and finished the Championship third. 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 1.
“Scuderia Toro Rosso is very much looking forward to 2019, as with Daniil and Alex we have two young, very strong and competitive drivers.”
Albon’s signing means Brendon Hartley will not race in F1 in 2019. The Kiwi made his debut in Austin 2017 in a surprise return to the sport, before completing a full season of racing this year.
It’s unclear if he’ll remain in the team in a reduced role.
