Albon: 'It’s a big deal for me to be a Thai driver'

©ToroRosso

Alexander Albon is particularly proud of his Thai heritage, the Toro Rosso driver becoming only the second driver in Grand Prix history to fly the Southeast Asian country's flag in F1.

One must travel all the way back to the early fifties and note the presence in the history books of one Prince Bira of Siam to be remembered that there was once a representative of Thailand on the F1 grid.

While Albon was born in London and raised in the UK, there's no questioning his allegiance to his mother's original country.

Toro Rosso's STR 14 in action at Misano

"It’s a big deal for me to be a Thai driver," he admitted.

"It’s been a long time since there’s been a Thai in Formula 1 and I’m just hoping to do everyone proud.

"A couple of years ago, there was talk of holding a Formula 1 race there.

"They have a circuit ready that’s F1-capable. I think it would be great to have a race there, it would be just amazing.

"Obviously, Vietnam is coming next year and that’s one step closer. That’s given me at least something similar to a home race, I’d like to think.

"Motorsport is getting bigger in Thailand and I’d hope they have someone to root for this year in F1."

©ToroRosso

Indeed, the country opened up an FIA Grade circuit in Buriram in 2014 which hosted a round of the MotoGP championship last year, so Formula 1 could one day race in the Land of Smiles.

In the interim, Albon has included a tribute to the country and its reigning family on his 2019 helmet livery.

"In Thailand, the royal family are extremely highly respected and King Rama IX was one of the most respected people in Thailand," he said.

"King Rama IX did a lot of charity work, a lot for the working class and he passed away in 2016. So I’ve got the number 9, written in Thai on my helmet, as that was part of his symbol.

"Another reference to Thailand on the helmet is the Thai flag included in my name."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.