Gasly Calls Missing F1 Seat After GP2 Title a 'Slap in the Face'

Pierre Gasly has revealed the deep frustration of winning the 2016 GP2 championship only to be denied an immediate Formula 1 seat, an experience he described as a "slap in the face." Despite a promise that the title would guarantee him a shot, the Frenchman spent 2017 as a reserve driver before a sudden call-up to race. This period of uncertainty ultimately fueled his rapid and unexpected ascent to a senior Red Bull Racing drive just a year and a half later.

Why it matters:

Gasly's story highlights the immense pressure and uncertainty within Red Bull's junior driver program, where even a championship title doesn't guarantee a promotion. It underscores the ruthless nature of F1's politics, where a driver's fate can hinge on a single phone call. His experience is a powerful reminder of the mental fortitude required to navigate the path to the top of motorsport.

The details:

• The Broken Promise: After winning the 2016 GP2 title with Prema, Gasly was told he would get an F1 seat, but was instead kept as a reserve driver for 2017, a move he called a "slap in my face."
• The Unexpected Call: His break came mid-2017 when Helmut Marko called him to replace Daniil Kvyat at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Gasly recalled "jumping on my bed" upon hearing the news.
• Rapid Ascent: After securing a full-time Toro Rosso seat for 2018 and impressing with a P4 finish in Bahrain, Gasly's trajectory skyrocketed. When Daniel Ricciardo announced his departure, Gasly was chosen over Carlos Sainz to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for 2019.

The big picture:

Gasly's journey is a classic F1 rollercoaster, marked by incredible highs and devastating lows within the Red Bull family. Just months after his promotion, he was demoted back to the sister team, highlighting the unforgiving standards at the top. His ability to rebuild his career and secure a long-term drive with Alpine demonstrates the resilience that defined his path from that initial disappointment in 2016.