Helmut Marko has praised AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly’s performances this season, and has called his driving excellent.
Gasly, a former Red Bull driver, drives for AlphaTauri currently. His strong performances after leaving the team has always fuelled rumours of a return. But with Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen building momentum, that looks unlikely.
Speaking in an interview with Auto, Motor und Sport, Marko dismissed the speculations. However, he took the opportunity to heap praise on the Frenchman.
“He’s driving excellently at the moment. AlphaTauri’s car fits him perfectly. That combination goes perfectly together. We still have a contract that lasts another two years. I don’t know where the chatter about Renault came from,” he said.
“Pierre is the ideal ambassador for AlphaTauri as the somewhat fashionable Frenchman. Above all, the performance in the car is really strong. He had a losing performance in the race in Baku. The fact that he kept LeClerc behind him there was a great achievement.”
Marko was also asked what he would do if Gasly himself approached him requesting a second chance at Red Bull. He replied, “This question is not relevant at the moment. We have a great selection of drivers.
“Many people have already written that we would have no successors. Vips wins races in Formula 2. Lawson’s up there as well. So there are a lot of talents from our own ranks who want to and can drive the Red Bull,” he explained.
Spoiled for choice
If Gasly’s strong performances continue, he could definitely make the switch to a Ferrari or a McLaren. The Frenchman has the talent, and has proven his ability to extract the best from a car multiple times. Whether they admit it or not, Red Bull will be keeping a close eye on him.
In addition to Gasly, they will also be keeping tabs on Yuki Tsunoda, Juri Vips and Liam Lawson. The future does look bright once again for the constructor.
Read more: Pierre Gasly says he did not see Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton as heroes