Albon admits F1 exit 'hurts' but vows to return in 2022

Alex Albon admits that losing his seat with Red Bull "hurts", but the 24-year-old is determined to "wave the Thai flag again" in F1 in 2022.

Albon acquitted himself well in the wake of his promotion to Red Bull Racing after the summer break in 2019.

But inconsistent performances this year coupled with an inability to close the gap to teammate Max Verstappen ultimately sealed the British-Thai racer's fate and decided his team to hand his coveted seat to Sergio Perez.

Read also: Horner insists Red Bull had to go with the data on Albon

In a message published on social media, a gracious Albon thanked his many supporters, insisting he had given it "everything" during the 2020 season.

“I can’t lie guys, it hurts," Albon said. "I gave it everything out there, but it wasn’t quite enough.

"I want to say a huge thank you to all of you that supported me throughout this year, especially my Thai fans.

"With all the different opinions out there, I always had you guys to push me through it."

Albon, who scored two podiums this season, vowed to fight to reconquere a spot on the gird in 2022.

"I’m not giving up, I’ve poured my life into this and I won’t let it stop here," he added. "I have more to give and my focus is getting back for 2022 and to wave the Thai flag again."

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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.