Former Formula 1 driver Mika Salo has claimed Pierre Gasly has "never been a slow driver", with the pressure on the Frenchman building by the race.
Gasly has underperformed for Red Bull this season since joining from Toro Rosso. His season was virtually summed up in the last race, where he was leading his team-mate Max Verstappen on the first-lap, but was lapped by the eventual race-winner by the end of the race.
Former F1 driver Salo believes Red Bull "knows something we don't" about Gasly's struggles this season, as they are usually quickly to react to underperforming drivers at the team.
"Red Bull usually reacts quickly with these things," Salo said to Ilta Sanomat newspaper. "If someone isn't doing well; they are shown the door. I think Red Bull knows something we don't. Within the team, I am sure they understand for sure what Gasly's problem is, which is why he's still there. Never before has he been a slow driver."
Gasly has been publicly criticised by Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko this season, with the outspoken Austrian calling the French drivers' performances "unacceptable".