Pierre Gasly says his ambition now is “rewarding the faith” shown by Red Bull after he was confirmed alongside Max Verstappen for 2019 on Monday.
The Frenchman had become the obvious choice to replace the Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo next season after fellow stablemate Carlos Sainz opted to head to McLaren, claiming the seat that will be vacated by Fernando Alonso.
It marks a rapid rise for the 2016 GP2 champion, who only made his debut just under a year ago at the Malaysian Grand Prix, however, with three top six finishes so far this season, including a fourth in Bahrain, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of his bosses.
“Since Pierre first stepped into a Formula 1 seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso less than a year ago he has proved the undoubted talent that Red Bull has nurtured since his early career,” commented his soon-to-be team boss Christian Horner
“His stellar performances this year at the Honda-powered team, in only his first full season in F1, have only enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport and we look forward to Pierre bringing his speed, skill and attitude to the team in 2019.”
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As is the case for all junior drivers, Gasly described reaching the main Red Bull team as his “goal” when he joined the program in 2013 band to achieved it marked “another step forward in my ambition to win Grands Prix and compete for world championships”.
“I’m a really competitive guy and when I do something it’s always to fight for the best and top positions,” he continued
“As hugely exciting a moment as this is, I am fully aware of the challenge this special opportunity offers me and the expectations that faces any driver at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.
“I’m looking forward to rewarding the faith that [Red Bull owner] Dietrich Mateschitz, Christian Horner and [advisor] Dr Helmut Marko have placed in me.”