Red Bull announce Gasly for 2019 season

Editor 20 Aug 2018 8:35 PM

Another piece of the 2019 puzzle has fallen into place with Pierre Gasly confirmed as Max Verstappen’s team-mate.

Following Daniel Ricciardo’s shock decision to leave Red Bull for Renault, it left Gasly and Carlos Sainz in a straight shoot-out to replace the Aussie.

However, McLaren snapped up Sainz for 2019 after Fernando Alonso decided to quit Formula 1 altogether, making it a formality for Gasly to make the step up from the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso.

“I’m so excited to be joining this top team,” said Gasly.

“It has been my goal to race for this team since I joined the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme in 2013, and this incredible opportunity is another step forward in my ambition to win Grands Prix and compete for World Championships.

“Red Bull has always looked to fight for championships or victories and that’s what I want. I’m a really competitive guy and when I do something it’s always to fight for the best and top positions.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner hailed Gasly for his “stellar performances” with the Honda-powered team in 2018 and described him as “one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport”.

He said: “Since Pierre first stepped into a Formula 1 seat with Toro Rosso less than a year ago he has proved the undoubted talent that Red Bull has nurtured since his early career.

“His stellar performances this year at the Honda-powered team, in only his first full season in Formula 1, have only enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport and we look forward to Pierre bringing his speed, skill and attitude to the team in 2019.

“While our immediate focus remains fully on achieving our best result in the 2018 World Championship, we look forward to competing in 2019 with Max and Pierre at the wheel of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.”

Pierre Gasly Red Bull