Newly announced Red Bull driver for 2019 Pierre Gasly is expecting a strong relationship with Max Verstappen when he steps up alongside the Dutchman next year.
The Frenchman was confirmed as the replacement for Daniel Ricciardo late on Monday, with the growing influence of Verstappen considered one of the reasons why he made the bold move to switch to Renault.
Even so, Gasly has is looking forward to rekindling his on-track battles with the 20-year-old and building on their current friendship.
“Being teammates and mates with Max next season is really cool because we get on really well and we’ve known each other for a really long time,” he told the Red Bull website.
“We used to race against each other in karting in 2010 as a junior, so we’ve already raced together, but not for the same team. We’ve actually had a couple of close battles, sometimes good for me, sometimes not so good, but we really enjoyed that time.
“We really respect each other a lot as drivers, but also as friends, so I’m really excited to join him in the team with him. As we have a strong friendship it will be only a positive for the team.”
The 22-year-old also revealed the story of what happened upon receiving the news of his promotion for next season.
“When Helmut started the call with me I was in my underwear,” he smiled. “When the call ended I ran around the house shouting to my mates and they all jumped in the pool straight away!
“There was so much excitement and I was so happy about it because it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. There were a lot of emotions as well and I was just so shocked. I didn’t really know what I was saying to my mates, so I jumped in the pool and celebrated with my mates and family.
“It was even more special to be there with them as we only really get to spend one week a year together. We try to see each other every year, but of course, with the Formula 1 calendar, it’s difficult to see them.
“So to get the news during that week when I was with them was even better. They’ve supported me every weekend from my karting days and as I was moving up through the series. Celebrating with them, they were just super happy for me as well, so it was a great moment.”
