F1 Shockwaves: Pierre Gasly Exposes Red Bull’s Betrayal in Scathing Remarks
In an explosive revelation that could shake the foundations of Formula 1, former Red Bull star Pierre Gasly has unveiled the unsettling truth behind his tumultuous journey with the iconic racing team. The French driver, who once stood on the brink of greatness, has described a shocking U-turn by Red Bull executives that felt like “a slap in the face.”
As the motorsport world gears up for the 2026 season, the Red Bull team is undergoing a seismic transformation. With the departure of key figures like Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, the organization is not just changing personnel but is also facing a critical juncture in its strategy. The future of their reigning champion, Max Verstappen, hangs in the balance as whispers of interest from rival Mercedes loom large. 2023 could very well determine whether Verstappen remains a Red Bull fixture beyond 2027.
Gasly, whose career trajectory was deeply impacted by his time at Red Bull, was thrust into the spotlight when he replaced Daniel Ricciardo in 2019 with only one full season under his belt. But rather than a straightforward ascension, Gasly’s journey was riddled with disappointment and betrayal. He claims he was led to believe that winning the GP2 title in 2016 would guarantee him an immediate promotion to Formula 1. Instead, he found himself relegated to a reserve role at the start of the 2017 season—a decision he still grapples with.
In a candid interview with Lawrence Barretto for F1’s Off the Grid series, Gasly laid bare his frustrations, stating, “It was so hard to take because I was told, ‘ok, if you win the GP2 championship, you’re going to get a shot in Formula 1.’ There’s more in F1 and politics and money, and it was like a slap in my face where I thought, ‘ok, what do I need to do more?’” His disillusionment paints a stark picture of the cutthroat politics of F1, where talent can be overshadowed by the machinations of team dynamics and corporate interests.
Gasly’s initial promotion to Red Bull was short-lived, as he soon found himself demoted back to the junior Toro Rosso team mid-season after failing to match Verstappen’s stellar performance. This experience has left an indelible mark on him, leading to his decision in 2023 to sever ties with the Red Bull family altogether, opting for a fresh start with Alpine. Gasly remains optimistic, asserting that Alpine could be the team that finally fulfills his dreams of becoming a world champion.
As the dust settles on Gasly’s shocking claims, the question remains: how will Red Bull navigate this new era with a fresh lineup and a champion in need of support? With the stakes higher than ever and new regulations on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this storied team adapts and evolves. The saga of Pierre Gasly serves as a cautionary tale of ambition thwarted by the harsh realities of Formula 1 politics—a world where promises can easily turn into pitfalls, and the road to success is never guaranteed.
