Horner: Red Bull influenced by public pressure on Gasly

Pierre Gasly made an impression by taking second place at the Brazilian GP on November 17. The Frenchman's season, however, was not easy to manage, especially when Red Bull chose to have it ironed at Toro Rosso for the benefit ofAlexander albon.

Christian Horner admitted that the Austrian team's decision was partly motivated by external pressure.

“We felt that pressure was increasing on him, that of the public and that of the media. It was the right choice to put him a little behind so that he plays in a slightly less stressful environment at Toro Rosso, confided the Red Bull Team Principal, quoted on the official F1 website. Since this change he has driven excellently and we could see his confidence growing. He had some great races and kept improving his pace. He seems happier in this environment. »

Si the Briton expressed his satisfaction at seeing Pierre Gasly achieve such success, it is also often the case that the start of the season had been difficult for the French driver, notably with two off-track events during winter testing in Barcelona (Spain).

“It was very hard for Pierre to start the season after these two accidents. It clearly had an impact on his confidence, added the director of Red Bull Racing. In addition, it is very complicated to be in the position of the teammate of Max Verstappen by having this reference. His first part of the season was really difficult. »

Pierre Gasly will fight this weekend in Abu Dhabi to maintain his 6th place in the championship, with the Toro Rosso driver tied on points with Carlos Sainz Jr. (McLaren).