Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Driver Alex Albon talks about the giveaway, the season, and Project Istanbul
As the 2020 Formula 1 season approaches the final finish line, you can look back at what a remarkable year it of racing it has been.
While Formula 1 won’t be racing in America this year, you have a chance to join a team for the 2021 edition.
Red Bull launched a massive worldwide competition aimed at giving one lucky fan the chance to join the team at Circuit of The Americas next season, with three-day paddock passes, a garage tour and a meeting with the drivers during the USGP race weekend.
“It has been a while since we had fans, so to once again have the fan interaction allowing someone to see behind the scenes will be a lot of fun,” said Alex Albon, team driver Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. “To go behind the curtains and see how our team prepares at the highest level is a unique experience and I promise that we will take the best care of them.”
The contest isn’t limited to just U.S. based F1 fans, with the prize also offering flights for two to Austin from anywhere in the world; accommodation; a car to use courtesy of power-unit supplier Honda; and a fuel card from ExxonMobil to allow you to explore the city and beyond.
If you have never been to Austin, make sure to pack your stretchy pants as the food is incredible.
Titled ‘USA the Red Bull Way’ the competition also offers the winner a TAG-Heuer watch, team merchandise and further gifts from team partners Puma and Heineken, while COTA has included a trip up the COTA Tower during one of the F1 sessions.
To be in with a chance of winning, head to RedBullRacing.com, and this time next year you could be joining the team in Austin.
“One of the best parts about racing around the world are the fans,” said Albon. “The fans are so unique to their environment. There is nothing that can beat the feeling of seeing pure passion and love from fans. The American crowd gets loud and they are up for a good time. In contrast to the Europe fan base where they have the majority of the races, they are fiercely supportive of their drivers. When we race in Asia, you need to take an extra suitcase because they are so generous with gift giving. At times, the fans will wait hours just to get a glimpse of a driver. We love Formula 1. I love Formula 1. I have always wanted to be a Formula 1 driver and so personally my passion for the sport is at an all time high. But the fans, they travel from all over the world and bring a craziness and love for the sport that matches and can exceed the drivers passion for the sport.
Max Verstappen performs during The Dutch Road Trip in Maasland, Netherlands on January 25, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140049 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen, Alexander Albon and Jeffrey Herlings perform during The Dutch Road Trip at Scheveningen beach in The Hague, Netherlands on January 27, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140062 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon perform during The Dutch Road Trip in Rotterdam, Netherlands on January 25, 2020 // Rob Smalley / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004170047 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon perform during The Dutch Road Trip in Naaldwijk, Netherlands on January 26, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140070 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen shows Alexander Albon a few highlights of The Netherlands at Noordeinde palace on the Dutch Road Trip on January 27, 2020 
Max Verstappen performs during The Dutch Road Trip in Naaldwijk, Netherlands on January 26, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140065 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen, Alexander Albon and Jeffrey Herlings perform during The Dutch Road Trip at Scheveningen beach in The Hague, Netherlands on January 27, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140044 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon perform during The Dutch Road Trip in The Hague, Netherlands on January 27, 2020 // Rob Smalley / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004170072 // Usage for editorial use only // 
Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon perform during The Dutch Road Trip in Maasland, Netherlands on January 25, 2020 // Rutger Pauw / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202004140061 // Usage for editorial use only //
For Albon, this season has brought about as many turns as a racetrack has.
“Obviously, you want things to go your way each and every race but that is not how racing works,” said Albon. “I am satisfied and pleased with the season but I do want more. I have been so fortunate to accomplish my first goal, and that was to be a driver on the highest Formula 1 circuit. But once you meet one goal, my attention turns quickly to what is next. I wanted to build myself professionally in the offseason physically and mentally and prepare and better the places that I still find I want to work on.”
Before the season began, Albon and teammate Max Verstappen got the opportunity to drive through Holland, the homeland of Verstappen.
As the season turned towards the race in Istanbul, Albon got that opportunity again to race the streets with sister team Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly to help launch the fashion brand AlphaTauri.
“The crazy part was this was the first time I had ever driven in Turkey,” said Albon. “It was the first time I had ever even been in Turkey. I went from the airport to the hotel and the next morning I was driving through the streets. The funny part was I had more grip on the road than I did on the track. But to have the ability to drive on two continents, that is a driving memory I won’t soon forget.”
When asked if Albon was fortunate to drive the car on the snow, similar to the video his teammate Verstappen did on the world famous skill downhill course Kitzbuhel, his replay was no.
Howver, he did say he would like to race lawn mowers. Who’s in for a mower race with F1 drivers? Hello Texas.