Rumours surrounding Pierre Gasly's departure from AlphaTauri are sounding louder and louder. The Frenchman is said to be signing a contract at Alpine, while Nyck de Vries is said to be ready to join AlphaTauri. Ahead of the race weekend in Japan, Christian Horner discusses the latest news.
Horner has responsibility over Red Bull's team, but is also closely involved in AlphaTauri's situation. The British team boss became impressed with the Dutchman's qualities during the Italian GP, when De Vries did handsomely as Alexander Albon's replacement, but would not say much else.
"We’re assuming that he’s left," Horner pointed in conversation Express to Gasly. "He still remains a contracted driver that’s assigned to AlphaTauri. Until that situation changes, there’s nothing really to say about a potential replacement or not. So yeah, that’s all I can give you."
De Vries also has other options
Although it seems only a matter of time before De Vries makes the switch to AlphaTauri, the driver also has other options. Williams and Alpine are also reportedly expressly interested in his services. Over the next few weeks, clarity should be created.