Albon: ‘Easy decision’ to give up FE deal for F1 shot

Alexander Albon says it was an “easy decision” to give up his works deal with Nissan in Formula E in order to get an opportunity in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso for 2019.

Albon had been due to race with Nissan through the 2018-19 Formula E campaign after signing a deal when he was still racing in Formula 2, at a time when a move up to F1 looked unlikely.

A string of impressive displays in F2 put Albon on Toro Rosso’s radar for the 2019 season, with the team striking a deal to free him from his Nissan contract and sign him.

Albon has since flourished in F1, scoring points in two of his first four races, with the highlight being a charge from the pit lane to P10 at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Asked about his decision to give up a works contract in Formula E, Albon said that while he recognised the risk involved, there were no regrets over his decision.

“Coming from Formula E, making the transition, there is always a risk there,” Albon said.

“But when I was six years old, whenever I thought about motorsport, Formula 1 is what any driver wants to do when they’re young.

“Of course even from Formula 2, the goal was always Formula 1. But as it looked less and less likely. That’s when I went to Formula E.

“So when I got the chance again, it was quite clear to me what I wanted to do. Of course there is less stability in Formula 1 probably, but still saying that, in Formula E you still have to perform, you still have to deliver results.

“On my side, it was just no regrets. You don’t want to miss out on your one chance on Formula 1.

“So that was quite an easy decision."