Pierre Gasly’s Formula 1 journey took an unexpected turn after he clinched the GP2 championship with Prema Powerteam in 2016, as he remained a reserve driver instead of immediately joining the Toro Rosso team. Despite his status as a Red Bull junior driver, the Frenchman’s anticipated progression into a full-time F1 seat was delayed, leading to a period of uncertainty and disappointment.
“It was so hard to take as I was told, ‘If you win the GP2 championship, you are going to get a shot in Formula 1’,”
Gasly told F1.com.
“It was like a slap in my face. I thought, ‘OK, what do I need to do more?’ I kept the mentality that I would get my shot.”
– Pierre Gasly, Driver
Receiving the Formula 1 Opportunity
While serving as a reserve driver through 2017, Gasly finally received the opportunity he had been fighting for, replacing Daniil Kvyat at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The call from Red Bull’s Helmut Marko marked a turning point in his career and an emotional milestone for the young driver.
“I remember I was jumping on my bed in Malaysia,”
the 29-year-old recalled, describing his elation when told he would race.
“I went as a reserve for Red Bull. Helmut called me to say, ‘Get ready – this weekend, you are racing.’ When I got the shot, I was the happiest. I remember going on the grid and knowing I’m given this chance, now it’s in my hands, I have the car, the team, the people – now it’s up to me and I’m in control.”
– Pierre Gasly, Driver
Breakthrough Performances and Red Bull Promotion
Gasly’s full-time entry into Formula 1 came in 2018 with Toro Rosso, where he made an immediate impact by finishing fourth in Bahrain early in the season. His rising reputation coincided with Daniel Ricciardo’s surprising departure from Red Bull after the Hungarian Grand Prix, opening the door for a critical team decision.
“I did four or five races in 2017, and then I started the season in 2018. In the second race, bang – P4 in Bahrain. It created straight away massive hype. Right after Budapest, Daniel [Ricciardo] announced he was leaving [Red Bull]. I remember arriving in Greece for my holiday, and it was like, ‘Whoa, Daniel is going’.”
– Pierre Gasly, Driver
“Red Bull had Carlos Sainz as an option and they had me. It’s between Sainz and myself. The phone rang and Helmut told me ‘OK, you’re a Red Bull Racing driver at the start of next year’ – this was six months into my first [full] season in F1.”
– Pierre Gasly, Driver
Career Changes and Future Path
Pierre Gasly’s time with Red Bull concluded ahead of the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, as Alex Albon replaced him mid-season. Moving forward from this setback, Gasly went on to sign with Alpine for the 2023 season and beyond, demonstrating his resilience amid a turbulent career path. Gasly’s journey from a frustrated reserve to a Formula 1 race winner underscores the unpredictable nature of motorsport careers and the persistence required to succeed at the highest level.
As Gasly continues to compete, his experiences offer insight into the emotional and professional challenges faced by drivers, especially those rising through the competitive Red Bull junior ranks. His career, marked by both disappointment and eventual opportunity, exemplifies the intense struggle and eventual reward in the world of top-tier motor racing.
