Formula 1 2019

Thaiwolf · **on:** March 16, 2019, 01:39:37 PM

Thai/English driver Alex Albon (Thai mother, English father but drives under the Thai flag) made his Formula 1 debut today. He qualified in 12th spot. He is only the second Thai driver in history to compete in Formula 1.

Thaiwolf · **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2019, 01:50:02 PM

And before anyone asks..... the first Thai driver was Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh (Thai: พีรพงศ์ภาณุเดช; RTGS: Phiraphong Phanudet; 15 July 1914 – 23 December 1985), better known as Prince Bira of Siam (now Thailand) or by his nom de course B. Bira. He was a member of the Thai royal family, racing driver, sailor, and pilot.

Birabongse raced in Formula One and Grand Prix races for the Maserati, Gordini, and Connaught teams. He was the only Southeast Asian driver to compete in Formula One until Malaysia's Alex Yoong joined Minardi in 2001. He also competed in sailing events at four Summer Olympic Games, and flew from London to Bangkok in his own twin-engine Miles Gemini aircraft in 1952.

Roger · **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2019, 06:35:19 AM

Thanks for that TW - most interesting.
Let's see how Albon gets on - k.o. 12 midday

Come on Lewis . .

Robert · **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2019, 07:27:35 AM

Ok, I will react.....

Come on Max

Thaiwolf · **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2019, 08:03:29 AM

One for the future, not this year though.

Thaiwolf · **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2019, 10:17:45 AM

Alex Albon stayed out of trouble and finished in a creditable 14th place in yesterday's GP. I think he is a good future prospect. Top ten finishes in the future should be his realistic target.

Roger · **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2019, 03:07:24 PM

I saw the first hour and wondered if Lewis H was going to have a bad day but he held on for 2nd place which is cracking - well done Bottas.

And well done Verstappen and young Albon. I heard 19 year Brit Lando Norris talking - he said, 'I swear a lot when I'm driving' - SO DO I - Norris did well finishing 12th.

Should be a good season . . .

Thaiwolf · **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2019, 01:04:44 PM

Thai driver Alex Albon had a nasty crash during practice for the 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix in China. His car was wrecked and he was unable to take part in qualifying. He was unhurt and will start in 20th position on the grid tomorrow.

Roger · **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2019, 02:29:02 PM

The starting line up looks familiar :-

1 Bottas 00:01:31.547
2 Hamilton 00:01:31.570

3 Vettel 00:01:31.848

Good that young Mr Albon is OK after that crash - I guess it is Songkran weekend . .

Thaiwolf · **Reply #9 on:** April 14, 2019, 02:49:21 PM

Thai driver Alex Albon fought from the back of the grid to grab a very respectable 10th place in today's Chinese Grand Prix.

Roger · **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2019, 04:17:02 PM

Hey TW - I was talking to my Bruv-in-law on the phone yesterday - I mentioned Alexander Albon to him and he apparently saw Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh in an F1 race years ago - (Max is 80 next month).

Well done Albon - noticed this comment on BBC - ''Driver of the day - F1's 1,000th race did not live up to expectations - the lead was never in question and Hamilton was supreme in leading Mercedes' third consecutive one-two at the start of this season. But this award goes to Albon, who drove superbly to take a point from a pit lane start, which will be a boost to his confidence that could have taken a knock after his practice crash''. (Methinks a crash in practice not a practice crash

And well done Lewis H - back to No. 1 place in the standings . . .

Thaiwolf · **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2019, 08:59:20 AM

Another creditable performance from Thai driver Alex Albon when he finished 11th in the Spanish GP.

I would not be surprised if he is “bumped up” to Toro Rosso’s parent team Red Bull racing if he can consistently perform in the forthcoming events - could happen later this season, or more certainly for the start of next season.

Well done Alex!!

Despite being born in the UK and having a British father, Alex, of course, drives under the Thai flag. This is purely a marketing ploy to attract Asian fans and more relevantly South East Asian fans to the GP scene.

This scenario is further enhanced by the introduction of the Vietnamese GP next season. Watch out for a Thai GP within the next 5 years - The Chang Circuit already has Formula 1 accreditation and would be a huge success attendance wise. Last season’s Moto GP (motorbikes) at Buriram was voted the best of the season and attracted over 200 000 fans (including myself!!).

As a side note, if we include Alex as a British driver, there are 4 brits competing in this season’s series.

Roger · **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2019, 10:00:38 AM

Hamilton wins after being second on the grid ! Isn't that what Bottas did last time ? Five successive Mercedes one/two finishes now so I've decided against buying that Ferrari and have cancelled my order

Thaiwolf · **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2019, 10:58:06 AM

I think Robert would love to see Max in a Mercedes. Perhaps when Bottas's contract runs out (or Hamilton retires).

Thaiwolf · **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2019, 11:00:31 AM

As would I!!
Max v Hamilton in the same car would be a real battle.

Robert · **Reply #15 on:** May 13, 2019, 11:49:53 AM

Quote from: Thaiwolf on May 13, 2019, 10:58:06 AM

I think Robert would love to see Max in a Mercedes. Perhaps when Bottas's contract runs out (or Hamilton retires).

I can only agree with this idea.

Thaiwolf · **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2019, 07:31:43 AM

As I predicted earlier in the season thai driver Alex Albon has been promoted from Torro Rosso to parent team Red Bull Racing for the rest of the season. He replaces Pierre Gasli.

A just reward for stunning debut season performances.

Robert · **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2019, 08:38:11 AM

Do you remember what happened with Max after he got promoted to RedBull? Albon now also has chance of winning a F1 GP. Gasly had a good car but IMHO sometimes to afraid to overtake. Looking forward to remainder of this F1 year.

Thaiwolf · **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2019, 09:21:24 AM

Can't wait for Max to join Hamilton at Mercedes Robert - that will be some battle.

Thaiwolf · **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2019, 04:03:44 PM

Alex Albon makes his debut in the Red Bull Racing team this weekend at Spa.