A year on from being demoted back to Toro Rosso from Red Bull, Pierre Gasly says the past 12 months have been "really amazing".
The Frenchman really struggled to find his feet alongside Max Verstappen following his call up to replace Daniel Ricciardo last year, ultimately resulting in him being replaced by Alex Albon from the Belgian Grand Prix.
From that point, however, Gasly has been a driver reborn and believes he has proven his ability to rebound.
“Obviously that day was very difficult – I was disappointed, frustrated,” he said recalling the moment his demotion was confirmed. “I remember well what happened and obviously it wasn’t a nice feeling.
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“I think from that moment, if I look at the last 12 months, it’s been really amazing,” the Frenchman continued.
“Going back with AlphaTauri we’ve had some really strong races, it’s been really positive and I’ve really enjoyed working with these guys.
“I got my first podium in Formula 1, so it’s been a pretty good 12 months.
“Last year we had the big highlight with the second place in Brazil and a strong second half of the season with some other good results.
“It was important for me to show I’m really not someone that gives up and I always fight for what I want and I always will until I get to where I want to be.”
This season too, Gasly has continued that strong form, putting the rebranded sister Red Bull team in amongst the very competitive upper midfield battle against the likes of Ferrari, Renault and McLaren.
Indeed, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc even went as far as naming him the most impressive driver of the first six races.
“I think Pierre Gasly, he’s doing a great job at the moment," said the Monegasque.
“We are very good friends and I’m very happy for him.
“It wasn’t an easy time for him at Red Bull and for him to improve so much with AlphaTauri makes me feel happy.
“I think he has been very impressive.”
