21 Aug 2018

Pierre Gasly's promotion may help Brendon Hartley

7:48 am on 21 August 2018

The French Formula One driver Pierre Gasly will graduate from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing as replacement for departing Australian Daniel Ricciardo next year.

F1 driver Pierre Gasly

F1 driver Pierre Gasly Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The move will help New Zealander Brendon Hartley's chances of staying in Formula One.

Hartley has struggled in his debut season with Toro Rosso.

The team is yet to confirm any drivers for next season, but Hartley's retention would give them some continuity for 2019.

Gasly will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

Ricciardo is heading to Renault.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said Gasly's "stellar performances" this season had "enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport".

Gasly will also bring a season's experience with Honda engines, which Red Bull will adopt for 2019.

"Since Pierre first stepped into a Formula 1 seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso less than a year ago he has proved the undoubted talent that Red Bull has nurtured since his early career," said Horner.

"We look forward to Pierre bringing his speed, skill and attitude to the team in 2019."

New Zealand F1 driver Brendon Hartley

New Zealand F1 driver Brendon Hartley Photo: © Actionplus 2018

Red Bull's confirmation of Gasly means it will need to find at least one new driver to place at Toro Rosso next season, though Hartley may yet earn a stay of execution because of the lack of options.

There is no obvious option within Red Bull's pool of junior drivers, with European Formula 3 championship leader Dan Ticktum favoured but at risk of not earning a superlicence.

One solution would be to adopt a driver currently outside that pool, like Stoffel Vandoorne if the Belgian is dropped from McLaren.

Another would be for Red Bull to repeat what it did with Hartley and bring an older driver back to single-seaters, such as one of ex-Toro Rosso men Sebastian Buemi or Jean-Eric Vergne.