Formula 1’s ‘silly season’ is enjoying a late resurgence with rumours that Pierre Gasly is eyeing a move to Renault for next season.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a very strong 2020 campaign at AlphaTauri, of course highlighted by his remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix last month.
However, hopes that win could trigger a return to Red Bull, where Alex Albon is struggling alongside Max Verstappen, have faded, with the company already deciding to keep Gasly at the Faenza-based squad.
Seeking that next step forward in his career then, the 24-year-old has reportedly contacted Renault over the seat currently held by Esteban Ocon, according to Swiss publication Blick.
His fellow countryman – and once close friend – has been solid since returning to F1 after a year out as Mercedes reserve, but has been overshadowed by the impressive form of teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
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The likelihood of Gasly moving does appear low at this point, InsideRacing has been told, particularly as Ocon already has a contract at Renault for 2021.
Rumours of potential discontent between Pierre and Red Bull were revealed after Sky Sports pundit Paul di Resta told Nico Rosberg that “he [Gasly] has upset a few people within Red Bull”, with this apparent contact with Renault the possible reason.
However, speaking to Formula1.com, Gasly insisted the relationship with his current bosses remains strong.
“I am quite an honest guy, I say what I think and we don’t always share the same views or opinions,” he said.
“But I really respect and am really grateful for what they have done to me because I’m not someone who forgets things.
“I know the people who helped me make my way through. I know without Red Bull, I will not be where I am today but after what happened last year, for six months it was a completely different story.
“When I came back to Toro Rosso (AlphaTauri), I really wanted to give my best and perform the best way. I think it went even better than we all thought. So it was good,” he added.
“But it was important for me to also show after my first year with Toro Rosso was great, when I was back with them again, I performed.
“If I have what I need around me, I performed the same way.
“Relations [with Red Bull] are still good, everything has been good, only these six months [last year] were a different story.”
As an opinion on this story, a move to Renault would be ideal for Gasly, who finds himself somewhat in the Carlos Sainz situation of a few years ago.
Indeed, when Ricciardo announced his move to McLaren for next season, Pierre was one driver who would have made a perfect replacement but instead, the Enstone-based team opted for Fernando Alonso.
And despite those who criticise the performance of Ocon this season, let’s not forget his pace relative to his Aussie teammate has been good, particularly if you consider Ricciardo has arguably been the best driver on the grid since Spa.
So it would be a shame if the Frenchman lost out again, but, at least from what our sources have said, this possibility is still very unlikely for now.
