Toro Rosso has confirmed the final seat on the 2019 Formula 1 grid with F2 driver Alexander Albon joining alongside Daniil Kvyat.
The British-Thai driver emerged as a late option to replace Brendon Hartley and his situation was complicated having agreed a two-year deal with Nissan in Formula E starting from Season 5.
Indeed, the 22-year-old was named on the official entry list just a few weeks ago, but a deal has been struck with Red Bull's Helmut Marko, paving the way for Albon to make the step up to F1.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula 1 next year,” he said.
“Throughout my single-seater career, I went through a few ups and downs. I was dropped by Red Bull in 2012, so from then I knew my road to F1 was going to be a lot harder.
“I worked really hard and tried to impress every time I got in the car and I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull and Dr Marko for believing in me and giving me a second chance.
“I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in F1. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”
I really don’t think there are words to describe how excited and proud I am to be driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2019. It was an uphill battle to be on the grid this year and to be given the opportunity to be in F1 is surreal! (1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/dxMqpwxuv6
— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) November 26, 2018
Albon will join another young driver getting another chance with Toro Rosso in Kvyat, with the Russian set for his third stint at the Faenza-based squad.
“Alexander had an impressive F2 season in 2018,” added team boss Franz Tost.
“He won four races and finished the championship third. The way he is able to overtake many of his rivals in the races shows that he is ready and matured to race in F1.
“Scuderia Toro Rosso is very much looking forward to 2019, as with Daniil and Alex we have two young, very strong and competitive drivers.”
Albon joins F2 champion George Russell and runner-up Lando Norris in making the jump, meaning the top three from the feeder series in 2018 have all earned their big chance.
