Switching teams in the middle of the season is no easy task, but Christian Horner was left impressed by Alex Albon’s recovery drive on his first outing for Red Bull.

Albon was always set for a challenging weekend at Spa-Francorchamps once Red Bull opted to take a grid penalty by fitting an upgraded Honda power unit, even though they ultimately didn’t race the new engine.

The penalty left Albon starting his first race since being promoted from Toro Rosso in 17th place, and he produced a strong recovery drive through the field in his new car, capping his fightback with an overtake on Sergio Perez on the final lap that required two wheels on the grass in order to secure fifth spot.

READ MORE: Albon says his car ‘came alive’ on Red Bull debut

“Alex has impressed me all weekend with his approach, his feedback, his pace,” Horner said. “In the race he did a very mature job. The first half of the race we weren’t quite as competitive on the harder tyre as we were on the softer tyre but he didn’t make any silly mistakes or take any silly risks. He just dialled himself in.