Pierre Gasly has spoken candidly about the difficult period he endured as Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 teammate after being promoted to the Red Bull senior squad in 2019. The French driver’s recount shows how a lack of support and resources during that season led to his notable challenges, putting his place at the top of the sport under serious strain and highlighting the ongoing conversation about Pierre Gasly Red Bull struggles.
Gasly’s Rapid Rise and Sudden Demotion
Gasly was chosen by Red Bull to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who left for Renault, and joined Verstappen for the 2019 FIA Formula 1 Championship. Expectations were high, but in just 12 races, Gasly saw his dream move collapse. He managed 63 championship points compared to Verstappen’s dominant total of 181, which led to his abrupt removal from the team. Alex Albon was brought in to take his place, while Gasly was sent back to drive for Toro Rosso, Red Bull’s junior team.
Lack of Support and Unfamiliar Environment
Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Gasly revealed that he felt completely unsupported, in an unfamiliar and challenging environment. During an interview with F1.com, he admitted,
“I’m not going to lie, it was sad,”
—Pierre Gasly, Driver. He further explained that 2019, his second season in Formula 1, was filled with challenges due to the absence of guidance from within the team. The culture at Red Bull provided overwhelming support for Max Verstappen, given his results, but left Gasly searching for direction. He started the season with a new engineer who had recently come from Formula E, a racing series with little direct correlation to F1. This, according to Gasly, impacted his ability to perform at the highest level from the start.
He also noted,
“I wasn’t really given the tools to really perform. I tried to fight my own way because I wanted, and at the end of the day I’m there to perform.”
The lack of established communication and a team dynamic built around Verstappen left Gasly “fighting” to prove his worth, a battle he felt wasn’t fair.
The Emotional Toll and Relief After Reassignment
Gasly described the emotional burden of failing to meet expectations as isolating and discouraging. He stated,
“They were not happy, but I’m not happy too because I could see I couldn’t show my potential. It almost felt like a relief.”
—Pierre Gasly, Driver. His demotion appeared to lessen some of the personal stress, even as it marked a setback in his career. When discussing his feelings upon returning to Red Bull’s sister team, he was honest about the negative atmosphere, sharing,
“It’s not a nice energy. I’m there to do my thing and try and give my best but it’s a lot of negativity. I go through that. I just want to drive.”
—Pierre Gasly, Driver.
Career Rebound and Continued Challenges
After moving back to Toro Rosso, Gasly’s perseverance soon paid off with his first Formula 1 podium at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix. His career further revived when he claimed a remarkable victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, providing redemption after his difficult Red Bull experience. Since then, Gasly, now with Alpine, has established himself as a strong competitor in F1’s midfield, achieving three further podiums.
Despite Alpine’s struggles in the 2025 season—finishing last in the constructors’ championship with the slowest car in the field—Gasly managed to score all 22 of the team’s points, demonstrating his unwavering determination and talent. The Pierre Gasly Red Bull struggles now stand as a stark example of the pressures and politics drivers can face, even at the highest level of motorsport.
Impact on Formula 1 and Gasly’s Legacy
The experiences Gasly shared provide insight into how team structure, support, and internal dynamics can affect an F1 driver’s ability to perform—and their mental health. His journey from an intensely troubled period to earning victories and respect in new teams serves as a compelling lesson in resilience for both present and future Formula 1 competitors. As the sport continues to evolve, Gasly’s story may influence how teams approach the integration and support of their drivers, highlighting the need for both talent and the right environment to truly thrive.
