F1 exit "hurts" but relentless Albon focused on 2022 return

Alex Albon has stated his determination to win back a seat in Formula 1 as soon as possible after being sidelined by Red Bull into a reserve driver role for 2021.

Albon joined the F1 grid in 2019 with Toro Rosso but, as Pierre Gasly struggled against Max Verstappen at Red Bull, the pair switched places after 12 races.

Promoted after such a short time into a car with race-winning pedigree, Albon also found Verstappen a tough nut to crack across his 16-month stint with Red Bull.

This year Albon scored two podiums and finished seventh in the standings on 105 points compared to the Dutchman who finished third with 11 podiums, including two wins, and 214 points.

Reflecting on the news that Sergio Perez will replace him in the second race seat at Red Bull, Albon said via social media: "I can’t lie guys, it hurts. I gave it everything out there, but it wasn’t quite enough.

"I want to say a huge thank you to all of you that supported me throughout this year, especially my Thai fans. With all the different opinions out there, I always had you guys to push me through it.

"I’m not giving up, I’ve poured my life into this and I won’t let it stop here. I have more to give and my focus is getting back for 2022 and to wave the Thai flag again!"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alex Albon (@alex_albon)

Albon received support from several of his F1 colleagues and former rivals from junior championships, as well as the British Racing Drivers' Club of which he is a member.

Responding on Instagram, the BRDC said: "[We're] behind you every step of the way Alex. Keep your head up and keep pushing on. You're a true talent."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Max Verstappen's F1 boss accepts tough Red Bull reality ahead of Austrian Grand Prix

• 18 minutes ago

F1 News Today: Ferrari told to pick No.1 driver as threat of Lewis Hamilton ‘embarrassment’ looms

• 1 hour ago

Watch out Oscar! Norris plots reunion with former F1 team-mate

• Yesterday 22:58

Daniel Ricciardo enjoys new seat in life and shares joy over grid return

• Yesterday 21:55

How Ferrari built a Lewis Hamilton F1 dream team by looking outside Maranello

• Yesterday 20:57

Lewis Hamilton drives bizarre THREE-seater Ferrari F1 car at test track

• Yesterday 20:25