Pierre Gasly has voiced strong support for his former AlphaTauri teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting that the Japanese driver deserves a shot at the coveted Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen. Gasly, who shares a close bond with Tsunoda, recently commented on the 24-year-old’s frustrations and expressed that Tsunoda has earned more than what he has achieved so far in his Formula 1 career.
Reflecting on Tsunoda’s performance, Gasly noted that he has consistently demonstrated impressive speed over the past few seasons. The 28-year-old Frenchman revealed that he has had conversations with Tsunoda about his aspirations and believes that Tsunoda is capable of providing tough competition to Verstappen if given the opportunity at Red Bull.
Gasly acknowledged the difficult situation Tsunoda currently faces, especially considering the recent uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s position at Red Bull and the potential promotion of Daniel Ricciardo. Gasly emphasized that if he were in Helmut Marko’s shoes, he would have already promoted Tsunoda to the Red Bull cockpit. However, Gasly also recognized that the decision ultimately lies with Marko and the Red Bull management.
Drawing from his own experience, Gasly empathized with Tsunoda’s situation, having been in a similar position during his career. He encouraged Tsunoda to remain focused, continue delivering strong performances, and be patient. Gasly’s words of encouragement highlighted the respect and friendship between the two drivers, despite the competitive nature of the sport.
Gasly firmly believes that Tsunoda deserves a better opportunity due to his consistent performance over the last 14 races. Should Red Bull decide to find a new teammate for Max Verstappen, Gasly feels that Tsunoda should be at the top of their list.
Photo from Yuki Tsunoda Instagram
