F1 | GP Imola | Gasly "not disappointed" to not be considered for a return at Red Bull
Pierre Gasly of AlphaTauri is "surprised" but "not disappointed" that he was not considered for a return to Red Bull 's senior Formula 1 squad in 2021 after his Monza triumph
It was confirmed earlier this week that Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri would stay with the team in 2021 for a second consecutive season. He competed with the team for five races in 2017 and did a full-term in 2018 before being promoted to Red Bull for what was a tough half season with the team being paired alongside Max Verstappen.
Yep... HE'S STAYING!! 🙌 @PierreGASLY signs on for 2021 👊
— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) October 28, 2020
📲 https://t.co/ZkontYvGQb pic.twitter.com/CSECOsUBIT
Gasly mentioned he was ready for a Red Bull return after winning the chaotic Italian Grand Prix last month and becoming the only second driver in the history of AlphaTauri (formally Toro Rosso) and previously Minardi, to win an F1 event, following the victory of Sebastian Vettel in Monza 2008.
Motorsport.com interviewed Gasly and asked if he was upset that he will not be promoted to the parent team for next season, in which Gasly replied, "i'm not disappointed, I'm just going to say I'm shocked".
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Gasly continues, "In 14 years, Seb won a race with Toro Rosso, I'm the only other driver who won a race. Seb got promoted to Red Bull and won four titles with the team. So i'm just surprised I was not really considered. I've had two podiums with Toro Rosso, I think this season is going alright and on my side the only thing I can do is try and put some strong performances to give to me opportunities in the future. It's the only thing I can do. Everything is sorted, I don't really want to think about this any more - I need to perform as much as I can for AlphaTauri - I'm happy to be here and i'm just focused on this weekend and trying to get the best result I can here".
When asked about possibly hinting on any insider information he has within the walls of Red Bull and AlphaTauri regarding a "call-up", Gasly replies, "I don't know"
Followed by, the decision-making mechanism behind the decision to retain him at AlphaTauri was clarified by Red Bull motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, to which Gasly said, "They have their plans".
To continue, "It's up to them. If you want a better answer, it's better to ask them straightaway. But, from my side, it's been made clear to me I will continue already since quite a while with this team. And I'm not disappointed, I think we're performing on a great level, I'm able to show my potential, I'm able to show my speed, my skills. I'm 24-years-old- obviously my goal is to right at the front and one day to fight for a championship, but at the moment I just need to perform and do the best job I can in the team I am [in]. I’m not disappointed I’m really happy to continue with AlphaTauri for another year. I’ll keep doing my very best for this team."
