Early Life and Racing Beginnings
Alexander Albon Ansusinha, better known as Alexander Albon, was born on March 23, 1996, in London, England. He comes from a multicultural background, with his father Nigel Albon being a British former racing driver, and his mother Kankamol Albon of Thai descent. Alexander holds dual citizenship in both the United Kingdom and Thailand and has chosen to race under the Thai flag in his professional career.
Growing up, young Albon was inspired by his father's racing legacy and began his karting career at the tender age of eight. He quickly became a prominent figure in the British karting scene, winning multiple national championships and earning a reputation as a rising talent.
Formula Renault, Eurocup, and GP3 Series
In 2012, Alexander made the transition from karting to single-seater racing, joining the ultra-competitive Formula Renault 2.0 series. He raced in the European Championship and the Eurocup for three years, where he consistently showcased his potential by finishing in the top 10 of both championships.
In 2016, Albon signed with the prominent ART Grand Prix team to compete in the GP3 Series. He battled it out with future Formula 1 colleague Charles Leclerc throughout the championship, ultimately finishing second in the standings.
Formula 2 and Red Bull Junior Team
After a successful GP3 campaign, Alexander was promoted to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2017. He spent two seasons racing in F2, claiming four victories and seven podium positions. Notably, his impressive performance caught the attention of the Red Bull Junior Team, which extended an invitation for him to join their junior driver program.
Formula 1 Career and Rookie Season
Albon's Formula 1 break came when he was signed by the Toro Rosso team, now known as AlphaTauri, for the 2019 season. His rookie season saw consistent improvement and showcased his potential as a future F1 star. During the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, he was promoted to the Red Bull Racing team, partnering with Max Verstappen.
In 2020, driving for Red Bull Racing, Albon achieved his first Formula 1 podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix, finishing third. Despite his promising start, his remaining 2020 season was inconsistent, and he was replaced by Sergio Perez for the 2021 season.
Test and Reserve Driver for Red Bull Racing and DTM Career
For the 2021 season, Alexander Albon took on the role of test and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing. This crucial position allows him to assist the team in developing their F1 car while keeping his skills sharp, as he hopes to make a return to a full-time F1 race seat in the future.
In addition to his reserve driver role, Albon signed with the AF Corse team in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racing series for 2021. He secured his first victory in the series in August 2021 at the Nürburgring.
Net Worth and Personal Life
Alexander Albon's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, which mainly comes from his career as a professional racing driver and sponsorship deals. He keeps his personal life relatively private, but it is known that he is multilingual, speaking English, Thai, and French.
Future Prospects
Despite experiencing setbacks in his Formula 1 career, the future remains bright for Alexander Albon. His determination, passion, and talent are evident, making him a strong contender for a return to the F1 grid soon. Furthermore, his strong performances in the DTM showcase his versatility as a driver, proving that he has the skills to make an impact in any form of motorsport.
Alex Albon's Career Points and More
How many career points does Alex Albon have?
As of the end of the 2021 Formula 1 season, Alex Albon has a total of 121 career points in Formula 1. Albon entered the sport in 2019, racing for Scuderia Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and later for Red Bull Racing.
What is Alex Albon's best race result in Formula 1?
Alex Albon's best race result in Formula 1 is a 3rd place finish at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix. Racing for Red Bull, Albon achieved his first-ever podium in Formula 1 at the Mugello Circuit in Italy.
Which Formula 1 teams has Alex Albon raced for?
Alex Albon has raced for two different Formula 1 teams:
- Scuderia Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) – Albon made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso in the 2019 season.
- Red Bull Racing – Albon was promoted to Red Bull Racing during the 2019 season, replacing Pierre Gasly from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards. He continued as the team's full-time driver in 2020.
Why did Alex Albon not race in the 2021 Formula 1 season?
Alex Albon did not race in Formula 1 throughout the 2021 season because he was replaced by Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing. Following the conclusion of the 2020 season, Red Bull Racing signed Mexican driver Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen, leaving Albon without a race seat. Albon remained with the Red Bull team as a reserve driver and development driver during 2021.
What is next for Alex Albon's career in Formula 1?
Alex Albon will make a return to the Formula 1 grid with Williams Racing in the 2022 season. Announced in September 2021, Albon signed a multi-year deal to drive for Williams Racing, replacing the retiring George Russell, who will join Mercedes. Albon will be partnering with Canadian driver Nicholas Latifi at Williams Racing.
In summary, Alex Albon has had an exciting Formula 1 career so far, with 121 career points and a best race result of 3rd place. After a brief hiatus as a reserve driver, he will be back racing in the 2022 season with Williams Racing, potentially adding more career points to his name.