Pierre Gasly signs with AlphaTauri for 2021

AlphaTauri

Gasly signs with AlphaTauri for 2021

Deal leaves one seat available with the team

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 28 October 2020 11:38

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AlphaTauri has ended speculation over Pierre Gasly's future as the French driver has committed to the team for 2021.

Gasly's situation has been a hot topic for most of this season given his rise in form, that has included him securing his maiden victory when he took the chequered flag at the Italian Grand Prix.

Despite his performances, and suggestions he could again be promoted to Red Bull to replace Alex Albon who has struggled alongside Max Verstappen this campaign, Christian Horner had made clear Gasly would not rejoin his team.

It has now led to Gasly signing on for one more year with AlphaTauri.

“I’m extremely happy to continue with Scuderia AlphaTauri for another season," said Gasly. “This year is going very well, and we are on track to have our most successful season in the team’s history.

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"I feel we have a very strong relationship, we have managed to take every opportunity that’s come our way, the best one at the Italian Grand Prix.

"Winning my first Formula 1 race in Monza was a very special moment for me, and it was made extra sweet to deliver a second win in the team’s history, so I’m very proud of that.

"I’ll do my maximum to push the team and take all my responsibility to bring it as far forward as I can.

"I’m looking forward to next year’s challenge and continuing with AlphaTauri, to keep performing as much as I can to achieve even more success in the future.”

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost sees no reason why the latest deal is not the start of a more longer-term relationship.

“I’m delighted that Pierre will remain with us for the 2021 season," said Tost. "He has been part of the Red Bull driver pool for many years and I hope he will remain in the Red Bull family for many seasons ahead.

"Since he came back to the team last year, he has consistently shown extremely good performances, achieving two podiums, with a second place in Brazil in 2019 and a win at the team’s home race at this year’s Italian Grand Prix.

"Pierre has proven to be highly competitive also thanks to his great race craft, extracting the car’s potential at every race and giving valuable feedback to his engineers.

"He is mentally very strong, he is always motivated and when he sets a goal he gives it his all to achieve it. I’m looking forward to extending this cooperation and having a successful 2021 season together.”

It now remains to be seen as to who will take up the second seat, with Albon facing the possibility of being demoted if Daniil Kvyat is ditched, while rising Japanese star Yuki Tsunoda is also in the frame.