Alex Albon has spoken for the first time since being promoted to the Red Bull team at the expense of Pierre Gasly, who drops back down to Toro Rosso.
The news broke on Monday that Albon would replace Gasly until the end of the season as Red Bull search for their driver to partner Max Verstappen for the 2020 season. Despite Gasly's tough start to life at Red Bull he had been expected to keep his seat until the end of the season.
Following his surprise promotion, Albon has been speaking for the first time, thanking Red Bull for believing in him.
"Surreal to have been given this massive opportunity @redbullracing!" Albon said on Twitter.
"Can’t thank you enough for believing in me and making this possible. It’s a big jump into the deep end, but I’ve got my swimming shorts on!
"Thanks to all the guys at @ToroRosso, especially Franz Tost for the massive opportunity in F1 and never-ending support throughout my first year! Now to focus for my first race with the team in Spa."