As Alexander Albon reaches 100 F1 races, he reflects on his challenging career and unexpected return to the grid.
This weekend in Austin, Alexander Albon will already be reaching the milestone of 100 Formula 1 races.
Yet, like many others, the Thai driver doesn’t quite feel like a seasoned veteran. With the increasing number of Grands Prix, reaching this benchmark is much easier now – four years and you’re there.
However, Albon’s place in F1 was far from guaranteed. In 2020, he was unceremoniously dropped by Red Bull, only making his return at the beginning of 2022 with Williams F1.
It’s almost surprising for Albon himself to see he’s already hitting this milestone.
“It’s interesting because I think we’re doing so many races a year now that reaching 100 races… it doesn’t take that long in a way. But at the same time, it’s still a big milestone. I think my journey hasn’t been as smooth as some of the other drivers on the grid.”
“Most drivers on the grid have already passed 100 races – there aren’t many who haven’t, so I’m still one of the relatively inexperienced ones, even though I’m about to hit 100.”
“Once you reach that mark, or when I do, there’s a bit of reflection on the highs and lows of my Formula 1 career so far. But at the same time, you don’t win a trophy for it!”
“Maybe when I’ve done 150 races, or when I’ve got grey hair, I’ll look back on it fondly.”
Albon made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, a decision made rather at the last minute when it seemed his future lay in Formula E. His start was nothing short of eventful.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. I think it’s the race I remember most in my entire career, simply because of what it meant for me to be in Formula 1.”
“And more than anything, I think it’s the emotion rather than the race itself that I remember – just the nerves and the sensation of being in F1. It was truly incredible.”
“I remember the journey. I remember they missed my flight – normally we fly business class, but they put me in first class for Melbourne.”
“And even that, I remember. Obviously, I didn’t know any better, and I thought, ‘Wow, first class!’ I had barely flown in business class, let alone first class! So suddenly, I thought, ‘Wow, this is F1, this is amazing!'”
The ‘surreal’ feeling of racing against childhood rivals
That 2019 Australian Grand Prix also marked the debuts of Russell and Norris in F1: a trio of friends and drivers who had raced against each other in the junior categories.
“It’s just brilliant that we’re all still here, in a way,” Albon smiles, speaking to FOM.
“It’s amazing. When I look back and see not only the three of us, but also Charles [Leclerc], Max [Verstappen], Carlos [Sainz]… Esteban, Pierre [Gasly] – many of us raced against each other, so still competing together now feels somewhat surreal.”
If he had to highlight the three most memorable races of his career, Albon would, of course, mention his first… but what of the other two?
“The first race – I think all drivers would say the same,” he explains. “As we’ve discussed, the emotions of being a Formula 1 driver for the first time. The second would be my first podium at Mugello [in 2020].”
“It wasn’t an easy race for me, it wasn’t an easy year for me, but I had a really good race that weekend. I think, unfortunately, it was more of a weight lifted off my shoulders than a moment of pure joy. But it was still incredible to be on the podium, to see the Thai flag behind me – that was very cool.”
“And then the last one would be a bit more obscure. It would be my first race back in Formula 1 with Williams [Bahrain 2022] – not the race itself, but the qualifying session.”
“I think we started that year already on the back foot, and we thought we’d qualify 19th and 20th, but we ended up making it into Q2, which, right now, doesn’t seem huge. But I remember at the time, there was a lot of personal pressure to bounce back and prove to people what I could do.”
“And it was more of a confirmation to myself, that feeling of having done a great job and that I deserved to be there. So yes, that moment stuck with me.”
Alexander Albon laments Daniel Ricciardo’s absence
In Texas, Daniel Ricciardo won’t be present to celebrate Albon’s 100th Grand Prix alongside him. The Australian was dropped by Red Bull F1, a move that the Williams F1 driver regrets.
“I really, really like Daniel.”
“I think he’s a true character in our sport. He’s also very genuine, and it’s a great loss to see Daniel go.”
“I’ve seen the general reaction from the Formula 1 community, and he’ll be missed, though that’s not to say he won’t return in some capacity. I can’t comment on the decision regarding his replacement, but yes, I’ll definitely miss him.”
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Albon’s Rollercoaster F1 Journey Hits 100th Race Milestone Albon’s Rollercoaster F1 Journey Hits 100th Race Milestone. f1 2024 Albon’s Rollercoaster F1 Journey Hits 100th Race Milestone
