Pierre Gasly will continue to race for the AlphaTauri Formula 1 team next season, answering some of the questions as to who will drive for Red Bull in 2021.
Gasly was demoted from Red Bull to AlphaTauri (then called Toro Rosso) midway through last year after a slip in form.
However, the Frenchman’s performances in 2020 have been incredibly impressive, earning a shock race victory at the Italian Grand Prix.
He is currently ninth in the driver’s standings and just one point below his Red Bull replacement Alex Albon.
Nevertheless, Red Bull have now ruled out any chance of Gasly to return to Red Bull with the senior team claiming AlphaTauri is no longer a junior operation, but instead a “sister team” which benefits from having an experienced driver like Gasly behind the wheel.
“This year is going very well, and we are on track to have our most successful season in the team’s history,” said Gasly.
“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 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.”
The second AlphaTauri seat is yet to be announced with suggestions that Toyota Racing Series graduate and current Formula 2 driver Yuki Tsunoda is expected to join the team next year.
Gasly’s current teammate Daniil Kvyat is thus expected to be dropped, ending a third stint with Red Bull.
A decision about who will drive the second Red Bull car is also expected to be made in the next few weeks with no certainty as to whether the team will retain Albon another season.