Pierre Gasly has revealed that Yuki Tsunoda has told him that he thinks he “deserves more” when it comes to earning a chance with Red Bull’s parent Formula 1 team.
Tsunoda has delivered a stellar campaign in his fourth term with Red Bull’s sister squad as he has outscored his more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo 22-12.
However, Red Bull has continued to be unenamoured with handing Tsunoda a chance with the senior side, despite Sergio Perez’s struggles casting doubt on his place.
Ricciardo remains the likeliest candidate should a mid-season swap transpire and Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson is also considered higher in the queue than Tsunoda.
Tsunoda has been public about his irritation at being overlooked as he contends that his results this season would merit him being picked to partner Max Verstappen.
Gasly, who drove alongside Tsunoda at the Faenza-based squad between 2021-22, has disclosed that the Japanese racer has opened up to him on his F1 frustrations.
“I always said Yuki is very fast,” Gasly told Autosport. “I have seen it. He has proved it over the past few seasons and he will continue to prove it.
“I have talked to him about it, we have had conversations and I know he wants more and feels he deserves more.
“It’s not an easy position. Personally, I would have liked him to get a chance at Red Bull, but I am not Helmut Marko [Red Bull’s Driver Development Programme Head].”
Gasly, who lasted 12 races at Red Bull when he was demoted mid-season in 2019, can relate to Tsunoda’s anguish as he was denied a prized return to the top setup.
Despite several impressive results, including a memorable maiden win at Monza in 2020, the Frenchman wasn’t given a second chance and moved to Alpine in 2022.
But although he has been urged to consider options outside the Red Bull stable, Gasly believes that patience will reward Tsunoda with the opportunity that he craves.
“I have been in a similar position to him,” he added.
“What I say to him is: ‘Just keep doing what you are doing. As long as you are competitive, at some point you will get the right place’.”
Red Bull has elected to provide the underpressure Perez with a reprieve beyond the summer break, with Ricciardo also retaining his seat with the rebranded RB squad.
Meanwhile, unlike his team-mate, Tsunoda is guaranteed to remain on the grid next term as RB announced in June that his contract with the team has been extended.
