Red Bull will not put pressure on Gasly

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed his side will not put too much pressure on Pierre Gasly; who is joining from Toro Rosso next season.

The French driver has been promoted from the Red Bull Racing junior team and will take the departing Daniel Ricciardo's place, as the Aussie heads to Renault.

Horner believes that the natural talent of Gasly is "undeniable", but it would be "unfair" for Red Bull to put too much pressure and ask him to outperform Max Verstappen in his first season with the team.

"I think it will be a challenge for Pierre, but he is motivated," Horner told Autosport. "He went through the same program as Max, and you know, he's here because we think he's the best new talent and he deserves that opportunity in the car.

"So, we are expecting great things from Pierre next year, (however) it would be unfair to expect him to give Max some immediate trouble, I think he'll have to be patient with him.

"I think Max has reached a very high level and is one of the most outstanding talents in Formula One. It is clear that Daniel (Ricciardo) had difficulties against Max this year, but their race pace was very comparable.

"Next year, we have to give Pierre time, but I think he's a great talent," Horner continued. "It's only been a year since he has been in F1, but he's had great races, if you look at Bahrain, Monaco and Hungary in particular... there are a number of races where he has been (brilliant)."