Pierre Gasly has been confirmed at AlphaTauri for the 2021 Formula 1 season.
The Frenchman has been one of the standout drivers on the grid over the past 14 months, claiming his first podium in Brazil before taking a remarkable maiden win last month at Monza.
Highlights his performance, Gasly currently sits just a single point behind Alex Albon in the Drivers' Championship with five races left.
But while many believe Pierre deserves a second chance at Red Bull, and even after some speculation linking him to Renault for 2021, it has now been announced he's staying put.
“I’m extremely happy to continue with Scuderia AlphaTauri for another season! This year is going very well, and we are on track to have our most successful season in the team’s history," the 24-year-old stated.
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"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 very 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. I’m looking forward to next year’s challenge and continuing with AlphaTauri both as a premium fashion brand and a racing team, to keep performing as much as I can to achieve even more success in the future.”
Highlighting how strong Gasly has performed, he has scored 82 percent of AlphaTauri's points, putting them just 16 points behind Ferrari in the Constructors' standings.
So unsurprisingly, team boss Franz Tost was more than thrilled to be keeping his star driver.
“I’m delighted that Pierre will remain with us for the 2021 season. He has been part of the Red Bull driver pool for many years and I hope he will remain in the Red Bull family for many seasons ahead," he said.
"Pierre has proven to be highly competitive also thanks to his great race craft, extracting the car’s potential at every race and giving valuable feedback to his engineers.
"He is mentally very strong, he is always motivated and when he sets a goal he gives it his all to achieve it. I’m looking forward to extending this cooperation and having a successful 2021 season together.”
Rumours suggest Gasly will be joined by F2 driver Yuki Tsunoda next season, with the Japanese set to test a 2018 car at Imola soon.
