Gasly admits shock over Red Bull demotion

  • Published on 29 Aug 2019 14:57
  • comments 6
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Pierre Gasly admits it was a shock to learn that he had been demoted back to Toro Rosso ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Frenchman was replaced by Alexander Albon, who is currently in his rookie season in Formula 1, after the start of the summer break.

MORE: Gasly 'happy' to be working with Toro Rosso again

Gasly joined Red Bull for the 2019 season after spending the 2018 campaign with Toro Rosso, however he struggled at the senior team against teammate Max Verstappen.

Despite the shock of losing his seat, Gasly affirms that he is concentrating on doing a good job at Toro Rosso and delivering the points for the team.

"It was of course kind of a shock that this happened," Gasly said. "It was not what I had been told before at Budapest. 

"Everything was pretty clear over the last few weeks. This is past and I need to focus on the present and the things I can do with Toro Rosso. 

"Whether I understand it or not, it's not going to change it. I didn't spend too much time thinking about it. The only thing I need to focus on is performing in the upcoming races with Toro Rosso at my very best."

Gasly added that he found out that he would be demoted on "the morning it was announced" to the public. 

The 23-year-old says that there will be some challenges in adjusting to life back at Toro Rosso, but believes his competitive nature will allow him to deliver. 

"I'm a really competitive guy and I really want to be on top of my shape and feel like I can deliver the best I can.

"I'm feeling good and full of energy For sure, there will be things to get used to and get on top of at the beginning, but I'm ready to give my best for Toro Rosso."

Yeah, such a great team to work for. Sorry son, if you were surprised you were the only one.

  • 1
  • Aug 29 2019 - 19:07

Replies (6)

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  • Yeah, such a great team to work for. Sorry son, if you were surprised you were the only one.

    • + 1
    • Aug 29 2019 - 19:07
    • Indeed. I like a lot about RB, but if you look at this team and think you won't be screwed over if you don't meet their expectations, you'd fool yourself.

      • + 0
      • Aug 29 2019 - 19:31
  • xoya

    Posts: 583

    Really? He was shocked?
    I'd fire him if he was performing that badly as a salesman in a local grocery store while working for minimum wage, let alone driving in F1 for RedBull earning thousands of euros.

    • + 1
    • Aug 29 2019 - 23:24
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    I'd be less shocked sticking a fork in an electrical socket.

    • + 0
    • Aug 30 2019 - 00:35
  • abhidbgt

    Posts: 283

    Considering that he had assurances in terms of statement from top brass. I can understand why he would feel a shock. But considering his performances and that statements from people mean jack in this sport, he should have known better.

    • + 0
    • Aug 30 2019 - 04:52
  • skeleratis

    Posts: 6

    Welcome to Red Bull, where only 3 of our drivers succed with most gone.

    Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo in no particular order

    • + 0
    • Aug 30 2019 - 10:07

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  • Team Alpha Tauri
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