Red Bull Formula 1 Team Principal Christian Horner has given his backing to Pierre Gasly, stressing that the Frenchman should take confidence from his Bahrain Grand Prix performance.
Gasly has endured a low-key start to his Red Bull career, having taken only eighth in Bahrain off the back of failing to make it through to Q3.
It came after he was unable to score points in Australia, classifying 11th in the wake of suffering an early elimination in qualifying, part of which was down to a team miscommunication.
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, classified fourth in Bahrain, having started the year on the podium in Australia.
The Frenchman expressed frustration in Bahrain over his inability to drive Red Bull’s RB15 as he wishes, but Horner defended the 23-year-old’s start to the season.
“I think it was important for Pierre to have a strong race [in Bahrain], he did that,” said Horner.
“I thought some of his overtakes, particularly on [Sergio] Perez, which I don’t think went on the main screen, was very impressive.
“His pace in clear air, particularly in the second half of the race, was strong so I think he would’ve taken a lot of confidence out of that. I think once he starts qualifying further up the grid then life will get a lot easier for him.
“I think it will have been a good boost of confidence for him. He’s raced competitively, raced hard, he’s had to overtake quite a few cars and you know, being competitive particularly in the second half of the race.
“I think he can take a lot out of this weekend and you know carry that into future races.”
Horner believes the narrow operating window in which Red Bull’s RB15 is currently operating is restricting Gasly’s prospects compared to more experienced team-mate Verstappen.
“I think the car – it’s a tricky car at the moment,” commented Horner.
“Our operating window looks quite narrow.
“I think Max has coped with that extremely well and I think obviously it’s been harder for Pierre. But that will come I’m sure.”
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