Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Alexander Albon will race alongside Max Verstappen at the Formula 1 team for the remainder of 2019, with Pierre Gasly returning to Toro Rosso.
Red Bull recruited Gasly as a replacement for Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo but the Frenchman has struggled through the first half of the campaign, scoring just 63 points to Verstappen's 181.
Red Bull repeatedly outlined that Gasly's seat was not in immediate danger but on Monday announced that Albon will step up to the senior team for the remainder of the current campaign.
Albon, third in Formula 2 last season, secured a Toro Rosso seat for 2019 and has taken 16 points from the opening half of the year.
"Alexander Albon is being promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Pierre Gasly will return to the Red Bull sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso," confirmed the operation.
"Red Bull are in the unique position of having four talented Formula 1 drivers under contract who can be rotated between Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso.
"The team will use the next nine races to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020.
"Everyone at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing looks forward to welcoming Alex to the Team and supporting him during the next phase of his F1 career."
Gasly will therefore link up with Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso for the rest of 2019.
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