Tost expects Red Bull F1 2021 driver decision by end of October

AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost says he expects Red Bull to make a decision about its drivers for the 2021 Formula 1 season by the end of October or early November at the latest.

Pierre Gasly’s outstanding start to the 2020 campaign – which included a shock maiden F1 victory last time out in Italy – has seen his name linked with a possible return to the Red Bull senior team.

Gasly was demoted just 12 races into his Red Bull stint and his replacement, Alex Albon, has endured a difficult start to the 2020 season.

Red Bull is also evaluating the progress of Honda protégé Yuki Tsunoda in Formula 2 and could potentially promote the Japanese racer into F1 next year.

"The driver question will come up with Red Bull in the end of October, beginning of November," Tost said on Sky Sports F1.

"We will see how everything is continuing in.

"And then Red Bull makes a decision which driver is racing in which team."

Gasly said he now felt “ready” to return to Red Bull if called upon following his first win at Monza.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s performances this year, Tost added: "He belongs to the best Red Bull young drivers.

"He is able to win races, or at least one race until now. But he showed as well in the past that he is able to win races and championships, and that's important.

"I rate him very high, because what he showed in Monza was really a fantastic race, how he controlled the pace, and how he made clear to Carlos that there is no way that he has a chance to pass him.

"He drove, I must say, a very, very matured race. Therefore I rate him very high."