How Albon is motivating Red Bull's newest young star

Although Thailand doesn't have a long history in professional motorsport, Alex Albon has been working to change that ever since he made his Formula 1 debut in 2019.

Alex Albon in a file photo (Image: Twitter)
By Mahaksh Chauhan | Dec 26, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Despite only being 13 years old, Enzo Tarnvanichkul is already being recognised as a potential star by his accomplishments. He became the second Thai karting world champion after Albon by winning the FIA OK Junior title this year. In addition to his F1 achievements, his off-track work at an orphanage in Thailand is making a significant difference in the lives of others who are less fortunate. He achieved it the hard way, recovering from an accident in the Super Heat before winning the final race from sixth on the grid. Before accepting the OKJ trophy at the FIA awards ceremony earlier this month, Tarnvanichkul remarked, “I just gave it my all, and definitely wanted to represent my country as best I could. “I believe that I was the only Thai driver in the world championship final. Like Alex, I gave it my all and got the finest outcome I could have hoped for.

Follow the footsteps

Tarnvanichkul expressed his desire to fly the flag in order to “follow the footsteps of the people that inspired you along the road like Alex,” much as Albon has always been extremely proud of his Thai heritage. “I think you put a little more pressure on yourself,” he added, “representing your country that maybe hasn’t had as much success as other countries.” “You want to perform well for your nation, represent it admirably, and uphold its honour so that both you and your nation can be proud. “In general, I believe Alex to be the standard. The Thai driver who has progressed the most in Formula 1 thus far is the one to beat.

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Red Bull junior program

The OKJ championship helped Tarnvanichkul establish himself as a potential star, opening the door for him to follow Albon’s example in another way by enrolling in the Red Bull junior programme in 2023. Even though Red Bull’s support frequently goes to those closer to F1 on the single-seater ladder, its junior boss, Helmut Marko, continues to monitor karting advancements. By the time Max Verstappen moved on to single-seaters the next year, Red Bull was ready to take him under its wing and make him F1’s youngest driver after just one season in cars. This was made possible by his outstanding 2013 karting campaign.