Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says Alexander Albon has proven that he “fully deserves” his renewal with the outfit into 2020, in the wake of his recent performances.
Albon stepped up to Formula 1 for 2019 with Toro Rosso but was drafted in to the senior team after the summer break as part of a seat swap with Pierre Gasly.
Albon has finished each race inside the top six since linking up with Red Bull, securing a best race result of fourth, achieved at the Japanese Grand Prix.
On Tuesday morning Red Bull confirmed that Albon has been given the nod to remain alongside Max Verstappen in 2020, with Gasly staying at Toro Rosso.
“Alex has performed extremely well since his debut with the team in Belgium and his results – seven finishes in the top-six – speak for themselves,” said Horner.
“It’s extremely hard to deny that level of consistency and in tandem with a growing reputation as a tenacious, fiercely committed racer, Alex has proved that he fully deserves to continue his progress with Red Bull.
“There is plenty of potential still to unlock and we look forward to seeing Alex alongside Max in 2020.”
Albon added that he is “really excited to be partnering Max again for next year and I know how fortunate I am to be given this opportunity.
“I’m hugely thankful that Red Bull have put their trust in me and believed in my results since I joined the team and for them to keep me in the car next year is a big deal.
“This year has been an incredible year for me and getting the call up to Red Bull mid-season was already a big step, so now I will use the learnings from this season and use the experience to improve and fight at the front in 2020.”
