Alexander Albon has split from Nissan Formula E team without even starting a race for them, fuelling speculation he is about to be confirmed as a Toro Rosso driver for the 2019 F1 season.
Albon had been announced alongside Sebastien Buemi in the team’s line-up for the 2018-19 season. However speculation about his future mounted after he failed to take part in pre-season testing for the team.Nissan has now confirmed it has “agreed to part ways with Albon exiting his contract to take up a different opportunity in motorsport.”
“Nissan thanks Albon for his efforts to date and wishes him the best of luck for his future endeavours,” it added.
The team will confirm the identity of Sebastien Buemi new team mate on Friday.
Albon finished third in the Formula Two championship last weekend behind George Russell and Lando Norris, both of which have confirmed F1 seats for next season.
Toro Rosso has already announced Daniil Kvyat as one of its drivers for next year. Pierre Gasly is leaving to join Red Bull, meaning Brendon Hartley would lose his place at the team if Albon is confirmed
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Ben Needham (@ben-n)
26th November 2018, 14:39
Surely that does then mean that he’ll be announced at Toro Rosso alongside Kvyat. That does make me a feel a little sad for Hartley, as he’d arguably improved a lot in recent races; rarely far off Gasly in the last few races. As with Vergne/Kvyat, it hardly seems fair that one is dropped entirely, while the other is promoted to compete for victories.
Few (including me) would really argue that Hartley is worth another shot though, as he’s not shown anything eye catching over the year and a bit he’s been on the grid. I’m glad he got a chance nonetheless.
Brian (@bealzbob)
26th November 2018, 15:11
I’m glad he got his chance too, but I think his age was also an issue. He is 29 to Gasly’s 22, and in a de facto development team like STR you’re kind of defeating the purpose sticking with someone that age for a second season unless they’ve shown massive potential. He applied himself well and probably leaves a much better driver than when he came in.
Phylyp (@phylyp)
26th November 2018, 14:39
Hartley to FE?
Sean (@seanloh)
26th November 2018, 14:51
@phylyp I would think a Indycar would be his main target since that is where he was headed before getting the call from Dr. Marko to race for Toro Rosso. Problem is there aren’t many existing seats left at this point
GeeMac (@geemac)
26th November 2018, 15:05
Um, you mean WEC @seanloh?
Sean (@seanloh)
26th November 2018, 15:21
@geemac No, after Porsche announced they were ending the endurance racing program it was widely reported that Hartley had signed on to race for Ganassi in Indycar.
Phylyp (@phylyp)
26th November 2018, 15:29
@seanloh – thank you Sean, good to know. So we’ve got up to two F1 drivers bound for IndyCar’s 2019 season. Neat.
Silfen (@silfen)
26th November 2018, 16:23
@phylyp Oliver Rowland will most likely take his place in Nissans Formula E team. He already tested for the team in Valencia in stead of Albon.
Phylyp (@phylyp)
26th November 2018, 16:24
Thank you @silfen
Joao (@johnmilk)
26th November 2018, 15:17
First, second and third from F2 into F1, it sounds fair to me
Mr. Fantastico (@latorres86)
26th November 2018, 16:59
Couldn’t agree more. This is good for F1.
Pratyush P (@pratyushp276)
26th November 2018, 15:20
After all this, imagine the scenes if STR end up putting someone else in that seat…
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
26th November 2018, 15:26
I gotta say, I wouldn’t feel sorry for Albon if they did!
BlackJackFan
26th November 2018, 17:24
Why not…?
Brian (@bealzbob)
26th November 2018, 15:44
Almost a pity Ticktum doesn’t have the required superlicence points :P
Jere (@jerejj)
26th November 2018, 15:30
So, it’s very likely bye bye, Hartley, then. I wish he were to remain in F1, but unfortunately, it looks rather unlikely now.
Djangles LeVaughn (@royal-spark)
26th November 2018, 15:46
Out of curiosity. Is he able to speak Thai?
MaliceCooper
26th November 2018, 15:48
Hartley’s been my favourite underdog this year but I think its fair to give Albon a shot now. Would be fun to see Hartley vs Alonso in Indy.
hahostolze (@hahostolze)
26th November 2018, 15:52
I don’t get what’s in it for him (an F1 seat, obviously). Red Bull is a tough enviroment. They have their drivers they like, and drivers they toss out. He was tossed out. He’s not ‘one of theirs’. Ticktum is laying in wait. It’s the most precarious seat in all of F1. Obviously he’s hoping to impress, and he’s got massive backers (and quite a bit of talent), but really, I think it’s a dangerous move.
Mr. Fantastico (@latorres86)
26th November 2018, 17:00
A year in a Toro Rosso car is better for his long-term F1 aspirations than a year in FE. Regardless of his future in the RB team, this move is good for him.
erikje
26th November 2018, 17:35
probably better then Norris in a Mclaren.
bosyber (@bosyber)
26th November 2018, 21:18
@hahostolze I think @latorres86 and @erikje both make good points. Same as for Hartley: only chance to race (even if for one season) in F1. I think Hartley will have impressed people in the know in motorsport, like indycar, WEC and the like, certainly more than just going to a GT-porche or something for a year. Albon can probably go to FE the year after if it doesn’t work out.