Marko: “Pierre Gasly is no longer the same driver at all”

Helmut Marko is a funny character. During the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix, the head of the sector Red Bull had assured that Pierre Gasly would end the season Formula 1 next to Max Verstappen. 

However, a few days later, the Frenchman was kindly led back to a Toro Rosso seat left still warm by Alexander Albon. Present in the Motegi paddock (Japan) during the Super Formula round, Doctor Marko delivered his analysis to CARweekly.

The outcome of the Hungarian event was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “After being delayed at the start, he struggled to overtake Carlos Sainz Jr (on a McLaren. Editor’s note) and this until the checkered flag. He looked better, but couldn't even attack him. »

See you tomorrow pic.twitter.com/yKf5PNDjuk

— PIERRE GASLY (@PierreGASLY) August 2

This timid behavior was no longer acceptable according to Helmut Marko. “Pierre had a real burst of speed. He never hesitated to try to overtake. This year, Pierre is no longer the same driver at all. I believe he was mentally affected. »

In question, the two violent accidents dating back to winter testing from Barcelona (Spain). “These setbacks have significantly delayed our development program, continues Helmut Marko, who assures that Pierre Gasly was deeply affected by these crashes.

FOTOS: The accident @PierreGASLY. Photos cedidas por @markoartistf1, in the rapid curve 9 at this moment. https://t.co/v3vC6oqN4b Pronto, the sequence completes. Pierre's accidental segment is premature. pic.twitter.com/CN8g1TAdT5

— Cristóbal Rosaleny (@crosaleny) February 28, 2019

“Even after the season opened, he couldn’t completely erase that negative feeling. »