Christijan Albers got his Formula One chance with Minardi Cosworth in 2005. The Dutch driver has skirted the edges of Formula One for some time, testing with Minardi and Jordan as well as Champ Car team Walker Racing. Albers' rise to Formula One saw him take the traditional route to F3000 with European (Minardi) Racing in 2000. A switch to the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) followed in 2001 with Mercedes where he recorded five wins before landing his Formula One chance.

Albers grabbed his opportunity with both hands and put together a very respectable first season in the sport with the under-financed Minardi squad. The six-car US Grand Prix saw Albers show the way to team-mate Patrick Freisacher to claim fifth position and his first World Championship points. The remainder of the season saw him battling hard with compatriot Robert Doornbos who joined the squad mid-season.

Albers had done enough to ensure that he would remain in Formula One in 2006 as he joins the new Midland team keen to put his first year experience to good use.