Pierre Gasly has suggested the repeated struggles of drivers in Red Bull’s second Formula 1 seat stem from differing circumstances, not a single recurring problem.
The Frenchman addressed the issue while voicing concern for former team-mate Yuki Tsunoda — the latest driver to face the pressure of partnering Max Verstappen.
Since replacing Liam Lawson just two rounds into the season, Tsunoda has failed to score points in seven of the 10 races he has contested, highlighting the continued difficulty of Red Bull’s second seat.
His current pointless streak reached five races after another poor showing at Silverstone as he slumped to a 15th-place finish — last of the classified runners and only driver to be lapped.
Tsunoda has consistently cited balance issues with the RB21 behind his lack of performances, while also taking some of the blame himself.
However, the recurring point raised is that no one has managed to match the level of the reigning World Champion — with Tsunoda, Lawson, Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo all struggling in the shadow of Max Verstappen.
But Gasly stressed that not all situations should be treated the same, as he sympathised with the tough spell Tsunoda is currently enduring.
“Yeah, I spoke with him beforehand,” he told media including Motorsport Week when asked if he was surprised to see the Japanese driver struggle.
“To be fair, I think we all get put in the same basket when it comes to the second car.
“But to me, things were very different to me than they were for Alex or they were for Perez. I’m not going to elaborate too much on that.
“Clearly, something is not clicking for Yuki. I just hope for him as a friend that somehow it comes together because the level there is on the grid.
“You know what everybody is capable of doing – it just doesn’t seem right.”
Gasly backs Verstappen amid Mercedes rumours
Gasly, who spent several years within the Red Bull system and partnered Verstappen briefly in 2019, was also asked whether he’s surprised by the increasing speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s future amid links to Mercedes.
“Surprised? Not really. Max, arguably, is the best driver on the grid,” he answered.
“Any driver wants the best car available and that’s not what he gets at the minute. I think it’s normal that he’d be looking at his options and looking at what’s possible.
“At the end of the day, he’s a four-time world champion. It’s down to him to do whatever he wants to do. I guess we’ll find out pretty soon.”
When questioned directly on whether he would entertain a return to Red Bull should an opportunity open up, the Alpine driver made clear where his priorities lie.
“I’m racing for Alpine and I want to win with Alpine,” he stressed.”
READ MORE — Pierre Gasly calls for unity at Alpine amid continued unrest
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