Team manager Red Bull: 'Gasly ready for next step'

Gasly was transferred to Red Bull by Christian Horner and Helmut Marko after just 26 appearances with the then Toro Rosso to become Max Verstappen's teammate in 2018. The Frenchman struggled mightily and was replaced after the first half of the season by Alexander Albon, the British Thai who also didn't last long in the end.

Wheatley, Red Bull's team manager, says Gasly is enjoying being back in favour. At AlphaTauri he has been revived. "I honestly think Pierre is ready for the next step," said the British chief. What Red Bull's plans are for Gasly, Wheatley did not reveal on The Jack Threlfall Show.

Gasly is reportedly under contract at Red Bull until 2023, but he makes no secret of his desire to join a top team after next season. Whether that will be possible at Red Bull remains to be seen. Much will depend on the performance of Sergio Perez next season. The alternatives are scarce, as Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Mercedes (assuming Lewis Hamilton continues) seem to be well placed for 2023.