Albon “beyond excited” to be in F1 in 2019

Alexander Albon has said that being given the chance to drive in Formula 1 for Toro Rosso in 2019 a childhood dream come true.

He had been competing in this years Formula 2 Championship and finished third behind fellow newcomers to F1 for the next year, George Russell and Lando Norris.

"I was beyond excited as I have waited for this moment since I was six years old," he told Red Bull

 "I received the call on Monday afternoon," "I was told that I was now confirmed as a Toro Rosso driver and that the team was ready to make an announcement.”

"I was in the shopping mall buying a pair of trainers, so I rushed back to the hotel straight away," "I still couldn't believe that it finally happened.”

The British-Thai born driver will be partnering Daniil Kyvat, who returns after being dropped from the team in late 2017. But he had also been signed up to drive in next year’s ABB FIA Formula E.

"I can't say that it came out of the blue," he admitted. "I have been trying to resolve my situation with Nissan e.dams to allow me to join Toro Rosso for the past few months."

Albon was born in London but will represent under the Thai flag and will be the first to do so since the 1950’s.

"I am so proud to be representing Thailand," he said. "It is a huge honour for me and my family to be given such an opportunity. Hopefully I will do them proud."