In a shocking turn of events, former Red Bull Racing driver, Pierre Gasly, has spoken out about the emotional impact of his sudden exit from the team. In an exclusive interview with a leading motorsport publication, Gasly revealed that he holds Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Oliver Mintzlaff, and motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, responsible for his unexpected sacking from the team.
Gasly’s time at Red Bull Racing was short-lived, with the 24-year-old Frenchman joining the team in 2019 as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo. However, his stint with the team was fraught with challenges, and after a string of disappointing performances, he was demoted to Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) midway through the 2019 season.
Despite this setback, Gasly bounced back and had a stellar 2020 season with the team, scoring his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Italian Grand Prix. However, his success was short-lived, as he was once again demoted to AlphaTauri for the 2021 season, making way for Red Bull’s junior driver, Sergio Perez.
In his interview, Gasly expressed his disappointment and frustration at the team’s decision to demote him once again, and the manner in which it was done. He revealed that he was caught off guard and felt betrayed by the team’s management, especially Mintzlaff and Marko.
Gasly claimed that he had no warning or indication that he would be replaced, and the news came as a shock to him. He also added that the decision was made without any proper explanation or justification, leaving him feeling disrespected and undervalued as a driver.
The emotional toll of his sudden exit from Red Bull Racing was evident in Gasly’s words, as he struggled to hold back tears while recounting the events. He revealed that it was a tough blow, and he had to take some time off to process everything that had happened.
Gasly also stated that he felt that he deserved to have a longer stint with the team, given his performances and the potential he had shown. However, he believes that Mintzlaff and Marko had other plans for him, and he was not given a fair chance to prove himself.
The Frenchman also highlighted the double standards within the team, with his demotions being contrasted with the continuous opportunities given to Red Bull’s other junior driver, Alex Albon. He stated that he felt that he was always fighting an uphill battle and that the team’s management had never fully supported him.
Gasly’s comments have sparked a debate in the Formula 1 community, with many questioning the team’s treatment of the talented driver. Fans have also expressed their support for Gasly, with many believing that he deserved to stay at Red Bull Racing and continue his upward trajectory.
In response to Gasly’s claims, Red Bull Racing has released a statement stating that they stand by their decision and that Gasly’s demotion was purely based on performance. They also added that they have no hard feelings towards Gasly and that they wish him the best for his future.
Despite the team’s response, Gasly’s revelations have shed light on the harsh realities of being a Formula 1 driver. It is a cut-throat world, where performance is everything, and one bad season can end a driver’s career with a top team.
However, Gasly’s story is not one of defeat but of determination and resilience. He has proven time and time again that he is a talented driver, and his victory at the Italian Grand Prix is a testament to that. His exit from Red Bull Racing may have been a setback, but it has not dampened his spirit, and he is determined to prove his worth with AlphaTauri.
Gasly’s story is a reminder that success is not always linear, and setbacks are a part of the journey. But what matters is how one responds to those setbacks and uses them as motivation to come back stronger.
As Gasly looks ahead to the 2021 season with AlphaTauri, he has the support of his fans, who are eagerly waiting to see what he can achieve with the team. And regardless of what the future holds, one thing is for sure – Gasly’s determination and talent will continue to shine on the Formula 1 stage.