Red Bull "want a leader" to drive AlphaTauri success - Pierre Gasly

Hungarian Grand Prix

Red Bull "want a leader" to drive AlphaTauri success - Gasly

Gasly hopes to have his future resolved over the summer break

Sam Hall

Thursday 29 July 2021 15:16

Pierre Gasly has claimed Red Bull "want a leader" within the AlphaTauri driver line-up to 'push the team forward'.

Red Bull-owned sister-team AlphaTauri has long been the proving ground for drivers making the step up from junior categories with the team often running inexperienced or rookie drivers in both seats.

This philosophy has softened in recent years with Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly both granted a second chance in the team after stints at Red Bull.

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“I think they [Red Bull] want a leader in AlphaTauri to push the team forward and really try to bring this team up," said Gasly.

"There is a great working relationship now and a real will to push AlphaTauri forward.

“Obviously, as a driver, you always want to be in the best car and fighting for the best position and that is what we are discussing but ultimately, I think on my side, I am only focussing on performing weekend after weekend, race after race and showing my potential.

“It’s in their hands whether they want me to step up or whether they are happy with the pair they have. And it depends on how Sergio is performing and how they are planning the future for AlphaTauri.

“We are discussing a lot of things. I think generally it is really positive and it is always better when there is communication and things are going well but at the moment there is no more answer than that.

“But I expect some more news over the next few weeks.”

Gasly concedes Red Bull chances limited

Gasly was granted his chance with Red Bull in 2019 and raced until the summer shutdown with the front-running team, before being switched with Alex Albon.

Despite a number of strong performances, including a breakthrough victory at last year's Italian Grand Prix, Gasly fears his chances of a promotion for 2022 are slim.

“I think it is pretty clear on my end," he explained.

"It is in Red Bull’s hands and Max is signed for next year in the top team. Sergio, I think, has a one year contract so we will see what happens there and then what we do going forward together.

“I am obviously contracted with them for some more time and I am pretty confident we should get some answers at some point during the summer break or after the summer break.”