Albon may show Thai flag in Formula 1 after all

Alexander Albon will return to Formula 1 next season. In doing so, the driver does not have to fear a ban for the Thai flag, he let Motorsport.com know.

Late last year it came out that the Thai anti-doping authority NADO was not properly applying the rules surrounding the World Anti-Doping Code. It resulted in the international doping agency WADA deciding to impose sanctions and banning the use of a Thai flag during races or championships. The organization is now backtracking on that, much to Albon's relief.

According to WADA, NADO has now done enough to improve itself, making it possible to relax the sanctions. The Thai driver may therefore simply appear with the flag this calendar year when, for example, he secures a podium place during a race.

Albon is the replacement at Williams for George Russell, who will race for Mercedes in 2022. Together with teammate Nicholas Latifi, he hopes to fight for the points at his new team and find the way back up in his Formula 1 career after his disappointing period at Red Bull Racing.