‘It hurts, but I’m not giving up’ – Albon resolute as he breaks silence on losing Red Bull race seat

Alex Albon has shared his feelings for the first time about losing his Red Bull seat to Sergio Perez. In a post on Instagram, the Thai driver - who will become Red Bull’s test and reserve driver in 2021 - revealed his thoughts, as well as thanking fans for their support.

Albon’s future alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull had appeared uncertain throughout the second half of the 2020 season, though the team said they’d give him every chance to make the seat his.

ANALYSIS: Why did Red Bull opt for Perez – and what now for Albon?

Speaking for the first time since Friday’s announcement, Albon wrote: “I can’t lie guys, it hurts. I gave it everything out there, but it wasn’t quite enough.

"I want to say a huge thank you to all of you that supported me throughout this year, especially my Thai fans. With all the different opinions out there, I always had you guys to push me through it.

"I’m not giving up, I’ve poured my life into this and I won’t let it stop here. I have more to give and my focus is getting back for 2022 and to wave the Thai flag again.”

Friend and fellow driver George Russell had already voiced his support for Albon, writing simply on Twitter: “You’ll be back mate”.

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