Just two races after his promotion, Toro Rosso chief Franz Tost believes Alex Albon will be staying at Red Bull in 2020.
The Thai driver finished fifth and sixth in Spa and Monza respectively, showing decent pace compared to teammate Max Verstappen in practice although engine penalties have made a proper comparison impossible.
Even so, having gotten up to speed pretty quickly and with the promise of more to come, Tost is already backing Albon to get the nod over Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly.
“Unfortunately I think he’s gone, but you never know what’s going on in Formula 1,” he told Reuters.
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Despite hinting at having lost the 23-year-old, the Toro Rosso chief isn’t too concerned.
“I would complain if Red Bull was taking drivers from the outside, then we would have a serious problem,” he continued.
“As long as our drivers are good enough, it’s fine. I am more than happy about this.
“I feel well if a driver goes to Red Bull Racing and wins races, that’s the best. Then we know we did our homework.”
An incredible stat after the Italian Grand Prix emerged indicating seven of the current top 10 drivers in the championship have all at some point driven for Toro Rosso.
And Tost explained what he thinks is the advice that enables those drivers to achieve their optimum.
“When young drivers come to Toro Rosso, I tell them always that now is when the real motorsport life starts,” he said.
“They really have to be focussed and concentrated and live 100% for Formula 1.
“Some of them understand it, some of them don’t and if they don’t understand it, they are out. It’s as simple as that.”