F1 News

Gasly sympathizes with Tsunoda: 'He deserves the seat next to Verstappen'

Tsunoda doesn't get a chance next to Verstappen: Gasly knows how that feels

15 August at 10:00
  • Nicole Mulder

Red Bull Racing recently reiterated its confidence in Sergio Perez, who extended his contract with the Formula 1 team earlier this year. However, Pierre Gasly, former teammate of Max Verstappen, believes Yuki Tsunoda deserves a chance at Red Bull.

Gasly: 'Tsunoda deserves chance alongside Verstappen'

Gasly has been a teammate of both Verstappen and Tsunoda. The Japanese has been driving for Red Bull's sister team Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri) since his F1 debut. He needed some time to adapt, but since last year, Tsunoda has found his feet completely.

"I always said Yuki is very fast. I have seen it. He has proved it over the past few seasons and he will continue to prove it," said Gasly, who understands well that the situation is frustrating for his former teammate. "I have talked to him about it, we have had conversations and I know he wants more and feels he deserves more."

The 28-year-old Frenchman stresses that he has been in the same boat. He drove for Toro Rosso, was briefly promoted to Red Bull Racing only to be dropped back. "I have been in a similar position to him. What I say to him is: just keep doing what you are doing. As long as you are competitive, at some point you will get the right place."

At the same time, Gasly realises it is not that easy. "It's not an easy position. Personally, I would have liked him to get a chance at Red Bull, but I am not Helmut Marko," the Alpine driver said.

This article has been written in collaboration with Ben Stevens.