Pierre Gasly left to "wonder why" Red Bull snubbed promotion in favour of Sergio Perez

Gasly at Zandvoort — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

Gasly left to "wonder why" Red Bull snubbed promotion in favour of Perez

Gasly equalled his season best qualifying result at Zandvoort

Sam Hall

Saturday 4 September 2021 20:46

Pierre Gasly says he has been left to "wonder why" Red Bull elected to retain Sergio Perez for 2022 rather than promote the AlphaTauri driver.

Gasly secured fourth on the grid at the Dutch Grand Prix whilst Perez made a Q1 exit in 16th and looks set to extend a three-race streak without points.

With the Mexican struggling, Gasly questioned what he needs to do to secure a return to Red Bull after he was dropped 12 races into a disappointing season with the team in 2019.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 why he hadn't been granted the promotion, Gasly said: “I wonder why.

"There were discussions and I think they are really happy with my performance but obviously, there is not only this into the [consideration]. They made their decision.

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“Obviously, it was a small disappointment for me because that is where I want to be. I want to have a fast car.

“I’m not saying AlphaTauri don’t give me a really strong car but it was up to them.

“Unfortunately it didn’t happen but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future but for sure for next year I am not going to drive there.”

Dutch GP qualifying "unbelievable

Gasly equalled his season-best qualifying performance at Zandvoort and outperformed both Ferraris.

The Frenchman had struggled during the early phase of the weekend but discovered his pace when it mattered to secure fourth on the grid.

“Honestly, it has been a really good afternoon for us, especially because after Friday we did not look great," he explained.

“Also on Saturday morning it was not ideal but for whatever reason, the car felt great in quali and we managed to find some extra time going into qualifying and it was unbelievable to qualify in front of the two Ferraris.”

Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Gasly added he hopes to take advantage of potential chaos with six red flags already shown across the weekend.

“We know how difficult it is to overtake here so qualifying is definitely the most important and then hopefully I can battle it out," he added.

“If things happen, we will try to capitalise on it but I think we will have a great race.

“It’s not going to be an easy 72 laps, a lot of things happening, people going off and I think it should be a pretty exciting one.”