The 22-year-old Frenchman, who made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso at last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix, will take Daniel Ricciardo’s place on the team when the Australian leaves for Renault.
The announcement of Gasly’s promotion to the Red Bull senior team comes in the middle of his first full season in the top division, in which he scored three top-ten finishes, including an excellent fourth in Bahrain.
“Ever since Pierre climbed a Formula 1 seat at Scuderia Toro Rosso for the first time less than a year ago, he has shown the undisputed talent that Red Bull has fostered since his early career,” commented Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
“His outstanding performances this year with the Honda-powered team, in just his first full season in Formula 1, have only strengthened his reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport and we look forward to seeing Pierre’s speed, his ability and will bring his skills to the team in 2019.
“Although our immediate focus remains on achieving our best result in the 2018 World Championship, we look forward to competing with Max and Pierre at the wheel of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in 2019.”
GASLY TO RED BULL – THE STATS
- Gasly will be the tenth driver to compete in Formula 1 for the Red Bull senior team …
- … but he will be the first French driver the team has used
- He will only be 23 years old when he makes his debut for the team, but that makes him the fourth youngest driver to make his Red Bull debut after Max Verstappen (18), Christian Klien (22) and Daniil Kvyat (20).
- Gasly’s best result so far in Formula 1 is P4 in Bahrain. That was only the seventh top four finish for Toro Rosso in its 228 races history
Gasly described the move as “a dream come true”.
“I’m very excited to be joining this top team,” he added. “It has been my goal to race for this team since joining the Red Bull Junior Driver Program in 2013 and this incredible opportunity is another step in my ambition to win grands prix and compete for world championships. Red Bull has always tried to fight for championships or wins and that’s what I want. I’m a really competitive guy and when I do something I always fight for the best and top positions.
“As exciting as this moment is, I am fully aware of the challenge this special opportunity presents and the expectations that are placed on every driver at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. I look forward to the trust that Dietrich Mateschitz, Christian Horner and Dr. Helmut Marko have put in me to reward.
“The first phase is to keep pushing for the ultimate performance and the best results I can get in 2018 for my team, Scuderia Toro Rosso. I would like to thank Franz Tost and everyone at Toro Rosso and the Faenza plant for giving me the unique chance to drive in Formula 1 and their incredible commitment and support that I know will do for the rest this season will continue. My focus now is on doing everything I can to give them a season to celebrate. “
Gasly’s appointment to Red Bull means that three of the 10 teams have now confirmed their driver line-up for 2019 – the others being Mercedes and Renault.
Who will fill the remaining places on the starting grid? You can read our latest gossip column by clicking here.
