Paris (AFP)
French Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly will continue to drive in 2021 for AlphaTauri, the Italian team announced on Wednesday, dampening hopes of seeing him return to Red Bull next season.
Gasly, 24, had been "demoted" to Red Bull's satellite team, then called Toro Rosso, in the middle of the 2019 season. He has since recorded some very good results with AlphaTauri, including a recent Grand Prix victory. Italy, who could give hope for a return to Red Bull.
"I am very happy to stay with the AlphaTauri team for another season," said the young Frenchman quoted in the statement.
"This year is going very well and we are on the way to having our best season," he added.
"We have a great relationship and have managed to seize every opportunity that presented itself, the best being that of the Italian Grand Prix", which was his first victory in F1 where he made his debut in 2017 with Toro Rosso, Gasly pointed out.
He is currently 9th in the Drivers' World Championship with 63 points and AlphaTauri, headquartered in Faenza - near Imola where the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna is being played this weekend - in 7th position with 77 points .
The Thai Alexander Albon, who replaced Gasly last year at Red Bull, has for his part had a disappointing season and is only one point ahead of the French before the GP of Emilia-Romagna.
It was therefore conceivable that a new changeover would take place for next year.
But the officials of the Red Bull team have decided otherwise, without Albon's future in this team alongside the Dutchman Max Verstappen being assured.
"I am delighted that Pierre is staying with us for 2021. He has been part of the Red Bull young driver squad for many years and I hope he will remain in the Red Bull family for many more seasons to come," said indicated for his part Franz Tost, the team manager of Alpha Tauri.
According to the statement, however, Gasly has only signed for an additional year at AlphaTauri and will therefore be back in the transfer market at the end of next season.
© 2020 AFP