Pierre Gasly believes he would now have a "chance" alongside Max Verstappen if he was repromoted back to Red Bull.
The Frenchman lasted just 12 races next to the Dutchman after replacing Daniel Ricciardo for 2019, but once back at Toro Rosso, began showing the type of performances which earned him the opportunity in the first place.
A first F1 podium in Brazil last season was followed by a surprise maiden win at Monza this year, en route to an impressive 10th in the Drivers' Championship.
And though that wasn't enough to return to Red Bull in 2021, Gasly believes he is a much better place to succeed should the call come in the future.
"I think I would have my chance in the same car," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. "But it’s a lot more complicated than that. I know my skills.
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"If I have the right car, like this year, I can do really well. I showed that. I’ll keep going full throttle so that I get my chance.
"I’m doing much better. Objectively speaking, I’m a better driver. More consistent, with more experience. I expect to be even better in 2021 and again the following year."
Asked which areas he was now stronger in compared to the Gasly of almost two years ago, the 24-year-old replied: "In Formula 1, experience makes quite a difference. I’ve learned how to work better with the team. How I get more out of the people around me.
"How I better prepare for the race weekend. How to deal with the little problems that can happen to you over the weekend.
"To be honest, there are still so many areas I can improve but that’s also the case with a seven-time World Champion. Speaking to Lewis [Hamilton] I’m sure he feels there are areas where he could do better.
"This is our life – we work on every detail that makes us better, doing something better than the others.
"My goal in Formula 1 is to become world champion – that’s what I work for."
As it is another season leading AlphaTauri awaits, with rookie Yuki Tsunoda replacing Daniil Kvyat. But after a strong end to this season, Gasly is setting the bar high.
“We were in the top five cars a few times in 2020, that should be the goal,” he said.
“We are not far from that. It was the team’s most successful year. Still, we were only seventh.
“We have to give more, make it even better. We are not far from the boys in front of us. Hopefully, we will end up among the top five in the Constructors’ Championship in 2021.”
