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Alexander Albon has been named as the FIA's Rookie of the Year at the prize-giving gala in Paris on Friday.
Albon completed his maiden season in Formula 1 in 2019, racing for Toro Rosso in the opening half of the season before being moved to Red Bull in place of Pierre Gasly.
The Thai-British driver scored top-six finishes at Red Bull at every race bar Brazil, when he made contact with Lewis Hamilton late-on in the race as they battle for P2.
Albon was originally signed up to race in Formula E in 2019 before getting the call from Red Bull to replace Brendon Hartley at the team following a successful year in Formula 2.
“It’s been something I could never imagine,” Albon said at the gala. "Even just to be in Formula E and a professional driver, I was amazed and it felt like a progress in the whole professional world of motor racing.
“Then I got the call from Toro Rosso, which was a dream come true and then fast-forward six months to get a call from Red Bull to be in the main team, it was amazing."
Lewis Hamilton picked up his world championship trophy, as did Mercedes. Both parties won their sixth world championship this year.
Max Verstappen was awarded the 'Action of the Year' for his overtake on Charles Leclerc at Club corner during the British Grand Prix in July.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (5)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Are you fucking kidding me? Was Albon really more impressive than Lando? I don't even know if Albon deserved his seat at Red Bull more than Kvyat or Gasly.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
His initial promise fell through during post-summer season. That being said, Lando's bad luck and some of the poor performances does justify him to be better. Perhaps, Albon MAY be better of the two.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Albon is no doubt better than Kvyat, I feel. Especially once he got up to speed. I also feel he has greater potential than Kvyat ever had. Whether he deserves his seat or not, we'll see after winter testing. This time, he will come out of the winter with actual laps with the main car under his belt, so that'll be interesting.
MarkZ
Posts: 31
Go Albon!!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Was Albon the most impressive rookie this year, in a year with a whole lot of impressive rookies? Hard to tell. I probably think Norris was more impressive, but Albon has done a really good job.