Pierre Gasly is once again riding high within the Red Bull stable after an impressive drive to P7 during the Monaco GP.
The Frenchman, starting 10th, took advantage of Fernando Alonso’s retirement and difficult races for Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz to move up three places and secure just his second points finish in Formula 1, adding to his fourth place in Bahrain.
It was still far from easy for the Toro Rosso driver as he faced threats from Nico Hulkenberg and Max Verstappen late on, on the Hypersoft tyre but kept his composure and was delighted with the performance he was able to produce.
“My first Monaco GP in Formula 1 and my second time in the points, honestly, it was an amazing race!” Gasly proclaimed.
“Starting P10, we knew it could be difficult but the car was just so fast! I tried to be careful with the tyres from the beginning, and when I was alone on track I could just push flat out because I was feeling good with the car.”
On his late defensive work to keep the faster Renault and Red Bull behind, he added: “I just tried to stay focused and not to make any mistakes because in the end the tyres were quite used – It wasn’t easy but we managed to finish in P7. I’m just super happy!”
The 22-year-old can also take some satisfaction from beating Sainz, the driver most consider the favourite for a promotion to Red Bull should Daniel Ricciardo leave, and his achievement was noted by team boss Franz Tost.
“Pierre Gasly did a fantastic job finishing in seventh place, he controlled the race from the beginning onward and he really took care of his tyres,” said the Austrian.
“Taking into consideration it was his first time here in Monaco in an F1 car, he managed the tyres in a very professional way, therefore we could stay out with the Hypersoft so long.
“The strategy was also absolutely correct, calling him in very late which put him in seventh position.”