Max Verstappen isn’t particularly bothered about Red Bull’s decision to promote Alex Albon ahead of Pierre Gasly from the Belgian GP.
In a move that appeared increasingly likely, the Frenchman was dropped following a poor first 12 races since replacing Daniel Ricciardo, though there is some surprise at Albon getting the nod.
Asked his opinion, however, Verstappen only had one interest in mind.
“Of course, it is a pity for Pierre, but I personally don’t care much who my teammate is,” he told Holland’s De Telegraaf.
“The point is that we perform better with the other car and thereby gain more points for the team.”
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Some were more consolatory to Gasly though, including another Dutchman, former Caterham driver Giedo van der Garde.
“I feel for Pierre,” he wrote on Instagram. “But never give up mate, get your confidence back and the flow you were in last year and I’m sure you can prove everyone wrong.
“Give ‘em hell.”
Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle then added his opinion on Red Bull’s switch.
“Commiserations to Pierre, but he rides again and is still in the game,” he said.
“Good luck to Alex, he’s arrived in F1 in great style but will need every tool and trick in the F1 drivers’ repertoire to survive in Max’s lair.
It is reported by RMC Sport that Gasly only found out about his demotion a few hours before Red Bull made it public on Monday morning.
Though the 23-year-old is yet to comment, the French outlet quotes his lawyer as saying he is will “show his true value in a team he loves and with whom he has already proven, Toro Rosso”.