Gasly believes a second opportunity at Toro Rosso was "deserved"

Pierre Gasly thinks that a second chance at Toro Rosso was fully merited after a highly successful second half to the season after stepping down from Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.

The Frenchman ended up in seventh in the drivers' standings just one point off sixth which was occupied by McLaren's Carlos Sainz.

"Based on the results I have achieved with Toro Rosso since Spa, I think the resit is completely deserved," Gasly told the Formula One website.

“Because I have known Max since our joint karting time. I know how fast Max is in a single lap and races.

"He performed very well during those first twelve races, was at the level that I expected of him. "Gasly himself, on the other hand," did not come close to my level. "

His impressive form at the back end of the season saw him claim a podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix.