Reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton says Alexander Albon has a “bright future” and hopes that Red Bull gives him the required support.
Albon faced financial struggles to even make the 2018 Formula 2 grid but secured a round-by-round deal and placed third, behind Mercedes-backed George Russell and McLaren junior Lando Norris.
That caught the attention of Red Bull, which needed a new face at Toro Rosso for 2019 after Pierre Gasly’s promotion and Brendon Hartley’s departure.
Gasly’s struggles at Red Bull, allied with Albon’s eye-catching form, prompted the company to undertake a seat swap mid-season, with Albon joining Max Verstappen at the senior team.
Albon has scored points at each race with Red Bull and is now just three shy of Gasly in the standings.
“I think this year has been… it’s a real challenge to go up against a driver that’s been spoken so highly of by so many people and built up onto a pedestal,” said Hamilton of Albon.
“And to come in so young, and with all the difficulties he’s had in his life as well – his life story is quite an interesting one – against all adversity. It was quite cool to just sit and view him for a second.
“He pitted very early [in Mexico], I’m not quite exactly sure why but they obviously then went onto the two-stop strategy and I didn’t really see him again after that.
“But he’s got a bright future ahead of him. I hope Red Bull give him the support over the years.
“It’s very, very important because they often spit drivers out pretty quick if they don’t always do the job. I hope they’re good to him.”
Red Bull has yet to confirm whether Albon or Gasly will partner Verstappen in 2020.
