Alex Finishes 8th on Monaco Grand Prix Debut
Thai Formula One Driver Alexander Albon finished in 8th position on his maiden visit to Monte-Carlo for the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix.
Alex has always been a bit of specialist at Monaco, notably taking pole position for last year's FIA Formula 2 Feature Race around the iconic streets. It was no surprise to see him hit the ground running during Thursday Free Practice Sessions, setting the 5th fastest time in Free Practice 2, before going on to make it into Q3 and qualify in 10th position for his maiden Monaco Grand Prix.
A special pre-race tribute to Formula One Legend Niki Lauda took place, before Alex hit the streets of Monaco in a Formula One race for the first time. Both he and teammate Daniel Kvyat both ran strongly in the points throughout the race, choosing not to pit under the early Safety Car deployed for debris on the circuit.
Both drivers managed the Soft tyres well in the early phase before the team's strategy came into play.
Alex did a 40-lap stint on the tyres he started the race on, emerging from his pitstop in 8th position and clear air ahead of him. He held this position to the end of the race, finishing just behind teammate Danil - banking a 7th and a 8th position finish for the team and 10 championship points to their tally in the Constructors Standings.
Alexander Albon (Car 23):
"I’ve got to say a big thanks to the team because the strategy was fantastic! We knew there was the chance to get into the points today, and we did a good job to make it happen.
It was tricky out there because you spend the whole race close behind other cars, you have to make sure you don’t brake late or lock up otherwise your race is over.
The most difficult part of the day was managing the tyres, as the Softs don’t really like to last that long, so they begin to degrade and vibrate.
Still, it was good fun out there and great to have both cars finish in the points!”
Alex will make his first trip to the Circuit Gilles Villenueve for the next round of the Formula One World Championship at Montreal, Canada on the 7-9 June.
Press Release Content: Scuderia Toro Rosso
Media Content: Red Bull Content Pool