One of the seats of the Red Bull team in Formula 1 has an owner until, at least, the 2028 season. Max Verstappen has signed a contract that binds him to the Milton Keynes team until that season, however it is not yet known who his partner will be. the next year.
The first applicant to take into account is Sergio Pérez, the current driver of the team who will start his second year with the energy drinks team. His initial one-year contract was extended last summer until the end of 2022 and his performances in helping Verstappen have been highly appreciated by the team.
It is not surprising that Red Bull decided to continue with the same pair of drivers, considering that the regulations have changed and the cars are very different from previous years. There is no doubt that the Mexican aspires to continue in the team for more seasons, but he has a tough rival in Pierre Gasly.
The French driver was already part of the first team of the Red Bull structure in 2019, but was unable to achieve what was expected of him as second driver and was relegated back to Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri, during the summer break.
Gasly adapted to the second team and once again showed what he is capable of. At the end of the 2019 season he achieved a podium in Brazil and, in 2020, he achieved his first victory in Italy. Last season he also showed a high level, which sparked rumors of a possible return to the first team.
However, Red Bull decided to renew Sergio Pérez for the 2022 Formula 1 season, which also means that the Frenchman could have a new opportunity. His current contract will expire at the end of 2024, at which point he could also be without a seat in Formula 1.
“Helmut [Marko] has already said it, so it’s no secret that I have one year left on my contract after this one,” Gasly told Motorsport.com in an interview. “So it’s clear: either we make the move to Red Bull or we don’t. It’s too early to talk about what happens next.”
“Now I’m focusing on this year, on making it the best it can be. But it’s clear that I want to be in a fast car where I can fight for victories. That’s the only thing that matters.”
“I want to win races in Formula 1 and I need a car that allows me to do it. We will discuss it with Helmut when the time comes.”
Gasly is optimistic that he can have another excellent season in 2022. “I’m very confident. I’m very happy with the people I have around me now. I’m very happy. I’m happy with my engineers, with the way we function as team and with the responsibilities I have within the team. I must say that I feel good in my skin”.
“I know this is an important year in my career to take the next step. Last year was fantastic and this year I hope to do at least the same, if not more. I want to take this team as far forward as possible in the grid. That’s my personal goal,” confessed the 26-year-old driver.
Despite being very clear that he is facing a crucial year to know if he continues in Formula 1 or not, Gasly assures that he does not feel more pressure. “No, I know I have to do the same as in the last few years. I just have to keep performing, keep pushing the car forward and keep driving it in the right direction.”
“No, I’m very excited about this situation. I just hope we have a fast car. That’s the main thing at the moment.”
