Max Verstappen new team-mate: Pierre Gasly makes frantic call to Red Bull boss
PIERRE GASLY made a frantic call to Red Bull bosses when rumours circulated about Max Verstappen potentially having a new team-mate next year.
Pierre Gasly: It's my dream to drive for Red Bull
Gasly has struggled since stepping up to Red Bull from Toro Rosso this season.
The Frenchman is sixth in the Drivers’ standings but team-mate Verstappen is 46 points ahead in a similar car.
That has led to talk that Red Bull could axe the youngster and Nico Hulkenberg was the shock name linked with the Austrian team.
As the reports began to circle, Gasly became worried and made a frantic call to boss Helmut Marko.
“These rumours are so far-fetched that I do not even want to comment on them anymore,” Marko said.
“It’s absolute nonsense, that’s what I said to Gasly, who even called me about it.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen has been made the No 1 driver at Red Bull this term following the departure of Daniel Ricciardo.
And team principal Christian Horner is proud of how the 21-year-old has developed.
“He’s overachieved in certain aspects and I think he’s got a roundedness of maturity and is very much leading the team development-wise,” he said.
“I think he’s enjoying and relishing that role as well.”
Verstappen echoed the comments made by his boss.
“I’m getting older, I have more experience in life, but it’s also true that sometimes you have to make mistakes before you get better. That’s what happened to me, I think,” he said.
“Ferrari and Mercedes still have the advantage, but we are closer each race.
“I think we will often be competitive this season.”