Not my Wish to Destroy Verstappen – Gasly

Pierre Gasly has said that he has no intention to “destroy” Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year, stating that he will simply try to do his best. Red Bull confirmed that Gasly would be promoted to the senior squad from Toro Rosso for 2019, following Daniel Ricciardo’s announcement to leave the team.

Gasly has impressed the paddock during his maiden full season, scoring four top ten finishes in his Honda-powered Toro Rosso. His best result came in Bahrain at the start of the year, where he crossed the line to claim an exceptional fourth-place finish.

Red Bull is set to possess the youngest line-up on the grid next year, but Gasly says that he will attempt to do his best alongside four-time Grand Prix winner Verstappen.

“You always need the time to get used to everything, but hopefully I will be quick to work with the team and the car,” Gasly said. “I’ve known the team at Red Bull Racing for a while and at their request I have already been in the simulator and I hope to be at ease soon.

“It’s not my wish to destroy Max. We are both drivers and of course I am going there to be the best. I want to be the best Formula 1 driver on the grid and he has the same desire.”

And Gasly added that the new partnership next season could be beneficial for both drivers: “It’s nice to have someone next to you who is so fast, so you can bring out the best in each other, we’re going to experience a great time.”

Both Gasly and Verstappen are highly talented drivers and can help Red Bull in the long run. Max’s gritty nature and Gasly’s consistency could work wonders for Red Bull. So far this season, it has all been about Mercedes vs Ferrari with the occasional Red Bull cameo. The Renault power unit simply hasn’t been up to standard, when compared to its rivals.

Hopefully for their sake, 2019 offers a more competitive season against Ferrari and Mercedes. But for now, both drivers will have to see out the 2018 season.