Alexander Albon has set his focus on returning to the Formula 1 grid in 2022 in the wake of losing his full-time seat with Red Bull Racing.
Red Bull announced on Friday that it has recruited Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen in the 2021 season.
Albon struggled to get close to Verstappen during his 18 months at Red Bull, and has now slipped into a test and reserve driver role for next season.
Taking to social media to give his reaction to the news, Albon asserted he “gave it everything”, and thanked those who supported him during the season.
“I can’t lie guys, it hurts,” Albon said. “I gave it everything out there, but it wasn’t quite enough.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all of you that supported me throughout this year, especially my Thai fans.
“With all the different opinions out there, I always had you guys to push me through it.
“I’m not giving up, I’ve poured my life into this and I won’t let it stop here. I have more to give and my focus is getting back for 2022 and to wave the Thai flag again.”
Albon took two podium finishes this year at Mugello and Bahrain, ending the season seventh in the Drivers’ Championship.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has assured that Albon “remains an important part of our team as test and reserve driver with a key focus on 2022 development”, adding gratitude for his “hard work and contribution” since he joined in mid-2019.
