Pierre Gasly “surprised” he wasn’t considered for Red Bull F1 return

Pierre Gasly says he is “surprised” that he was not considered as an option for Red Bull’s driver line-up for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Gasly has been one of the stand-out drivers in 2020, claiming a shock maiden victory at Monza for AlphaTauri.

The Frenchman sits just a point behind Red Bull’s Alexander Albon in the drivers’ championship with five rounds remaining.

Despite missing out on a Red Bull drive in 2021, Gasly says he's not disappointed.

"I'm not disappointed, I will say I'm just surprised,” Gasly said. “You know, in 14 years Seb won a race with Toro Rosso. The only other driver who won a race, Seb got promoted to Red Bull and won four titles with the team. So no, I must say I'm just surprised I wasn't really considered.

“Two podiums with Toro Rosso, I think this season is going all right and on my side, the only thing I can do is trying to put some strong performances. Yeah, to give me opportunities in the future. That's the only thing I can do.

“After everything is sorted, you know I don't really want to think about this anymore. I need to perform as much as I can for AlphaTauri. I'm happy to be here and I am just focusing on this weekend and trying to get the best result I can for the team.”

Asked whether Red Bull had provided him with an explanation as to why he wasn’t considered, Gasly replied: “Not really. But I think it was clear that I will continue with AlphaTauri.

“I know it since now a couple of weeks already, and you know I think it's fine. I'm really happy to work with them, AlphaTauri is really happy to work with me. And no, I think we are doing a fantastic job, so that's the way it is, and as I say I keep moving forward, I keep pushing.

“I know my targets in Formula 1. I know what I want to achieve. And it’s all fine. I keep doing my best for AlphaTauri and try to bring them as much success, as the team should have.”

Gasly admits he's happy to bide his time at AlphaTauri given that he's only 24 years old and got many years left ahead of him.

“They [Red Bull] have their strategy,” he added. “You know, it's down to them. I think it's better to ask them straight away, but on my side I think it's been made clear to me I will continue already since quite a while with this team.

"And as I say, I'm not disappointed. I think we're performing on a great level, I'm able to show my potential. I'm able to show my speed, my skills. And, you know, as I say, I'm 24 years old.

“Obviously my goal in Formula 1 is to fight at the top, and one day to fight for a championship. But at the moment I just need to perform and do the best job I can in the team I am, and I'm not disappointed.

“I'm really happy to continue with AlphaTauri. And for another year and I'll keep doing my very best for this team.”