Alex Albon has acknowledged his mid-season switch to Red Bull is a “big step” but is keeping his “feet on the ground” ahead of his debut at Spa this weekend.
Red Bull reacted to Pierre Gasly’s difficult first half of the season by promoting Albon in his place for the rest of the 2019 campaign.
The Anglo-Thai racer scored six points finishes for Toro Rosso this year, finishing a best of sixth at the German Grand Prix.
As he prepares to make the leap in to a race-winning car, Albon is wary of the added attention he’ll be under driving for a top-end team.
“Not many drivers get the chance to drive a car capable of winning a race so early in their F1 career, so it’s a great opportunity to be driving for Red Bull,” Albon said in a Red Bull preview.
“It’s a big step, a big difference, and the factory’s a lot closer to my house, which is handy!
“We know what the car is capable of and we’ve seen what Max [Verstappen] has been able to do this year.
“I want to see what it’s like compared to what I’m used to, but at the same time, I know this weekend is my first time in the car, I’m still learning and improving as a driver and there’s definitely more to come.
“I know one of the main differences will be the noise and attention that comes with the move but I’m keeping my feet on the ground. I’m just focusing on the job I have to do for Spa, I’ll be doing a lot of listening and observing.”
Albon added that he has no concerns over the sudden call-up to Red Bull, insisting it’s not the first “big jump” he’s made in his racing career.
The 23-year-old was released from his initial Formula E contract with Nissan by the energy drinks firm to occupy a seat at Toro Rosso this season.
“We’ve got as much simulator prep done as we can, so now it’s about going through procedural things with the team and getting to know everyone,” he said.
“This is a big step, but I feel I’ve been through these big jumps before and taken the opportunities – I’m not worried about that. I’m focused and ready to be as strong as possible for the second half of the year.
“Spa hasn’t necessarily been that successful of a track for me, but we got podiums there in Formula 2 last year so it’s still been good. Also, you never know what’s going to happen there with the weather.”
