OFFICIAL: Pierre Gasly at Red Bull from 2019!

Since the announcement of the signing of Carlos Sainz in McLaren, the arrival of Pierre Gasly in Red Bull was an open secret.

Member of the Austrian giant's sector since its Formula title Renault 2.0 in 2013, the Normand convinced the decision-makers of the energizing can during a very solid first half of the 2018 season with Toro Rosso, marked by three big results in Bahrain, Monaco, and Hungary. With these performances, the Norman was preferred to Sainz.

He also has the merit of knowing Honda, current engine manufacturer of Faenza and future partner of Red Bull, well since his time in Japanese Super Formula in 2017. By joining Milton Keynes, Gasly, with 17 starts under his belt, will become the first French driver to evolve in a top team since the 2012 and especially 2013 seasons of Romain Grosjean at Lotus.

« It's a dream come true, I can't wait to join Red Bull, commented the native of Rouen. Since entering their young driver program, it has been my goal to seize this incredible opportunity, to take another step towards my ambition of winning Grand Prix F1 and fight for the world title.

Red Bull has always aimed to win and that is my goal too. I am well aware of the challenge that awaits me and the expectations that have been placed on me. I look forward to repaying the trust placed in me by Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull boss, Editor’s note), Christian horner (main team of Red Bull Racing, Editor’s note) and Helmut Marko (advisor in charge of the development sector, Editor’s note).”

« Since Pierre set foot in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso less than a year ago, he has demonstrated an undeniable talent, which Red Bull has nurtured and supported for years, added Horner. His superb performances with the Honda-powered team, in only his first full season in F1, have only enhanced his reputation as one of the sport's great hopes.. We look forward to welcoming him in 2019 ».

And to think that a year ago, the former GP2 Series champion was wondering if he would one day have his chance in Formula 1. Of course, such a promotion comes with a hell of a challenge: that of going to scrap with Verstappen, the enfant terrible but darling of Red Bull. The two young men know each other well and like each other. But what will happen when it comes to combat? If Gasly does not want to transform into Mark Webber, he will have to quickly mark his territory, even if it means getting into the trap of the Dutch prodigy.