Alex Albon will get “first real chance” in F1 this year

F1 News

11 January 2020 at 18:27
  • Bevan Youl

Former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok has said that Alex Albon will get his “first real chance” in the sport this year after having a full winter of preparation with Aston Martin Red Bull Racing compared to his rookie 2019 season.

Albon was originally meant to be driving for Nissan e.dams in the 2018-19 Formula E season but was released to sign for Toro Rosso for 2019, a move which would later see him promoted to Red Bull half way through the season.
 
The Thai-British driver has said himself that it was like starting back at square after switching to the senior team but now has a chance to prepare for a full season in one place.

"You shouldn't forget what a turbulent year Alex had," Chandhok said at the Autosport International Show.

"His promotion [to Toro Rosso] came late and after six months he was put in a top team car.

“So there was a lot of pressure to perform while driving alongside one of the strongest drivers of this generation (Max Verstappen).

“So in 2020 Alex will only get his first real chance in Formula 1."

Verstappen has proven himself as one of the fastest drivers on the grid but Chandhok is “curious” about how close he can match the Dutchman.

"I wonder what he can show now that he's had a full winter to recharge the batteries and prepare himself,” he added.

“He is a very good driver and he knows the team just as well as the team knows him. I am curious to see how close he can get to Max Verstappen."