Pierre Gasly has pulled back the curtain on his turbulent tenure with Red Bull Racing, revealing a stark reality that has left fans and insiders stunned: during his time with the team, he felt there was “no support” as the organization funneled its resources and focus almost exclusively toward Max Verstappen. Gasly, a product of Red Bull’s prestigious junior program, showcased his talent by winning the GP2 championship and nearly clinching the title in Japan’s Super Formula, creating high expectations for his future in Formula 1.
Joining Red Bull as Verstappen’s teammate in 2019—following Daniel Ricciardo’s departure—marked the beginning of a challenging chapter for Gasly. This period is notorious for the struggles faced by drivers occupying the second seat at Red Bull, and Gasly’s experience was no exception. The Frenchman had been led to believe that success in GP2 would secure him a place in F1, but the reality was far more complex. “It was so hard to take as I was told, ‘If you win the GP2 championship, you are going to get a shot in Formula 1’,” he recalled. The disillusionment hit hard, leading him to question what more he could do to earn his chance.
After a mix of Super Formula and a weekend in Formula E, Gasly finally got his opportunity in Malaysia, stepping in for Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso. “I remember I was jumping on my bed in Malaysia,” he exclaimed, filled with joy and anticipation. “When I got the shot, I was the happiest.” His early performances generated excitement, especially when he secured a fourth-place finish in Bahrain, igniting hopes for a promising career.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when he was promoted to Red Bull as Ricciardo’s successor. Gasly’s stint, albeit brief, was fraught with difficulties. Despite consistently finishing in the points, he struggled to match the pace needed to thrive in the high-pressure environment. “I wasn’t really given the tools to really perform,” he lamented. His best result was a modest fourth place at Silverstone, and after just 12 races, he was demoted back to Toro Rosso. For Gasly, the decision was almost a relief, as he felt the weight of inadequacy lift from his shoulders.
Reflecting on his struggles, he stated, “2019, my second year in Formula 1 – there was no support from anywhere, in a very big team which is very much supporting Max [Verstappen] – for good reasons, because he’s put on the results.” He was left with an inexperienced engineer, creating a disjointed and frustrating dynamic that hampered his ability to showcase his skills.
After his return to Toro Rosso, which later rebranded as AlphaTauri, Gasly finally found his stride, culminating in a sensational victory at the Italian Grand Prix in 2020. This triumph solidified his status as one of the top drivers in the midfield. Gasly eventually departed the Red Bull family at the end of 2022, embarking on a new chapter with Alpine, having proved his mettle amidst the challenging landscape of F1. His journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the harsh realities of one of the sport’s most competitive teams.
