Despite his sensational victory in the Italian Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly does not seem to be able to count on a return to Red Bull Racing as a teammate of Max Verstappen. Team boss Christian Horner is impressed by the Frenchman’s performance at AlphaTauri.
“Pierre did a fantastic job last week,” Horner said on Friday at a press conference at Mugello, where the Grand Prix of Tuscany will be held this weekend. “Since returning to AlphaTauri, he has regained his confidence and drives great.”
Gasly himself has already recorded a return to Red Bull. Halfway through the previous season, he had to make way for Alexander Albon due to poor performances, but the Thai is not doing any better.
Horner did not want to anticipate a new driver change. “We are now focusing on Albon. We are trying to give him the best chance, so that he can show that he deserves to keep the seat.”
“We are now working on some minor problems with the car. If that is resolved, Alex will probably do better,” said the team boss. “It wouldn’t make sense to swap drivers again.”
Pérez’s coming to Red Bull unlikely
On the other hand, Horner did not want to rule out Gasly returning as a teammate of Verstappen. “The final decision will be made at the end of the year. We are not going to make a hasty decision.”
An experienced driver such as Sergio Pérez next to Verstappen is unlikely, according to Horner. The thirty-year-old Mexican has to leave Racing Point. “Our preference is always to develop young talent,” said Horner.
“If our breeding pond is not big enough, you can occasionally look outside. But the intention is always to fish in our own pond,” said the Brit.
‘AlphaTauri is not a junior team but a sister team’
According to the team boss, the relationships between Red Bull and AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso) have changed. “AlphaTauri is now a sister team, instead of a junior team.”
“Since the team has been renamed, the aspirations have also increased. In 2022, there will also be new rules, which will make all teams more equal. There is already a lot of synergy between Red Bull and AlphaTauri.”
As an example, Horner cited the shared wind tunnel of both teams. “This is a very logical step from a financial perspective.”
Start times GP Tuscany
- Third training: Saturday noon
- Qualification: Saturday 3 p.m.
- Race: Sunday 3.10 p.m.
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