BREAKING: Red Bull confirm Gasly promotion

Red Bull have confirmed that Pierre Gasly will replace Daniel Ricciardo to partner Max Verstappen in the 2019 campaign. The Frenchman's promotion from Toro Rosso had been widely expected since Carlos Sainz Jr opted to leave the Red Bull stable permanently and sign for McLaren last week.

Joining @redbullracing in 2019! ????Super exciting with the coming challenges!! ???? #FullGas pic.twitter.com/bNeVSKbbxE — Pierre Gasly ???????? (@PierreGASLY) August 20, 2018

Gasly has been tipped as a Red Bull star of the future for many years, having joined their junior program in 2013 and going on to win the GP2 title in 2016.

He combined a season in Japan's Super Formula with making his F1 bow at Toro Rosso in 2017, kicking on to new heights in 2018 in the drive full-time.

His fourth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix is Honda's best result since returning to the sport as an engine supplier in 2015 and will give the senior team confidence that he can bank big results alongside Verstappen next year.

Christian Horner, Team Principal said: "Since Pierre first stepped into a Formula One seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso less than a year ago he has proved the undoubted talent that Red Bull has nurtured since his early career.

Pierre gets Promoted!

Congratulations to @redbullracing’s newest recruit @PierreGASLY! ???????? #RedBullFamily pic.twitter.com/HYOUh7fZ3F — Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) August 20, 2018

"His stellar performances this year at the Honda-powered team, in only his first full season in Formula One, 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."