Albon set for 2020 Red Bull deal

Alexander Albon looks set to secure his Red Bull seat for 2020, with Dr Helmut Marko confirming his satisfaction with the Thai driver's adaptation after promotion from Toro Rosso.

Albon was selected ahead of Daniil Kvyat to replace Pierre Gasly after the Frenchman's performances were deemed unsatisfactory.

He finished fifth and sixth in Belgium and Italy respectively, banking good points in races that typically do not favour Red Bull.

And Marko believes Albon has shown the capability to hang onto Verstappen's performance levels, something Gasly failed to do.

"I think he needs a teammate who is very close to him and I think we found it with Albon," Marko told GPUpdate.

"He is doing very well so far and is steadily improving.

"But it is also important for the team that we have a strong teammate alongside Verstappen, with a view to the championship."

Asked if Albon is the leading candidate for Red Bull in 2020, Marko replied: "We told each other that we would like to wait a little longer, but based on what we have seen so far: Yes."

Albon will not have to wait too much longer to discover his fate, however, with Marko expecting a decision to be made next month.

"I think we know what we're going to do after the Mexico Grand Prix."

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