Alex Albon can leave Brazil with “head held high” - Horner

Since his promotion from Toro Rosso in the summer break Albon had finished at least in the top six and looked on track to step up onto the podium for the first time in his career in Brazil.
 
After the Ferrari’s took each other the Thai driver was in a battle with Hamilton for second place when the Briton attempted an overtake down the inside, catching Albon and sending him into a spin, dropping down to finish P14.
 
“He looked really comfortable racing world champions and it was a huge shame for him to lose that podium on the penultimate lap,” Horner said as quoted by Crash.net.

"Lewis has obviously put his hand up and apologised but unfortunately it doesn’t get Alex’s podium back, but he can leave here with his head held high.

“OK, he didn’t get the trophy but he’s impressed the whole team with his performance and again, it’s an encouraging signal for next year.”

It was confirmed that Albon would drive alongside Max Verstappen for Red Bull in 2020 after his consistent performances for the energy drinks team, with Horner believing he has the capability of racing against the top drivers.

The Briton said when asked if there has been an improvement: “I think it’s very clear for everyone to see.

"He’s now racing wheel-to-wheel with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel and Ferraris and he’s making great progress. He’s impressed his whole team with his race craft.”