Pierre Gasly: ​​“A lot of respect between Verstappen and me”

Currently at Toro Rosso, Pierre Gasly will head towards the parent company of Milton Keynes from the 2019 season. Le Normand will find one hell of a customer there in the person of Verstappen, an electric talent with a meteoric rise on the track and a slightly provocative personality off it.

If another Blue, Esteban Ocon, recently told us that he had had trouble with the Dutch clan during his formative years, Gasly does not hesitate to describe the four-time Grand Prix winner as a friend.

“It’s going to be really cool to team up with Max because we get along really well and have known each other for a long time, the 22-year-old told the Red Bull Racing website.

We were getting carried away by karting in the junior category in 2010, even if we did not ride under the same colors. It was quite close on several occasions, it sometimes worked to my advantage, sometimes to his favor. In all cases, we really enjoyed these moments spent together.

There is a lot of respect between Max and I as drivers, but also as friends. I look forward to joining him and I am convinced that our strong friendship can only be positive for the team. »

Verstappen is not the only element that Gasly will find in his new environment since the Honda engine which powers his Toro Rosso will be found at the back of the future Red Bull. The native of Rouen has forged strong ties with the Japanese manufacturer since his successful stint in Japanese Super Formula during the 2017 season.

“Working with Honda over the past two years has naturally helped me, continues Gasly. When I arrived in Super Formula, we started to build a strong relationship between us. Then I arrived at Toro Rosso almost at the same time as them.

I already know the people so it’s a good experience for the future. I know how they communicate, the way they work, the cultural specificities of Japan compared to European methods.

It is obviously beneficial to have already driven with their engine in Formula 1. I know their strengths and where they can improve. Bringing this knowledge will be useful next year, that’s for sure.”

The 2018 Formula 1 season resumes this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix (August 24-26), 13th of 21 meetings of the year. Pierre Gasly is 13th in the Drivers' standings with 26 points.