Formula 1: Pierre Gasly to return to AlphaTauri in 2021

Surprise Italian Grand Prix winner Pierre Gasly is set to return to AlphaTauri for another year in the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Scuderia AlphaTauri have confirmed that Pierre Gasly is set to return to the team for another year in the 2021 Formula 1 season, marking their first official driver confirmation for next season and ending speculation that Gasly will be promoted to Red Bull Racing for a second time.

Gasly began competing for the team, then known as Scuderia Toro Rosso, late in the 2017 season as the replacement for Daniil Kvyat, and he continued competing for the team in 2018 as a full-time driver before being promoted to Red Bull.

However, during the 2019 season, he was demoted back to Red Bull in favor of Alexander Albon, a rookie competing for Toro Rosso at the time. Gasly maintained his seat with the rebranded AlphaTauri team into 2020 and is now under contract through 2021 as well.

Here is what Gasly had to say about the opportunity to continue with the team into next year, according to Formula 1.

"“I’m extremely happy to continue with Scuderia AlphaTauri for another season! This year is going very well, and we are on track to have our most successful season in the team’s history.“I feel we have a very strong relationship, we have managed to take every opportunity that’s come our way, the best one at the Italian Grand Prix. Winning my first Formula 1 race in Monza was a very special moment for me, and it was made extra sweet to deliver a second win in the team’s history, so I’m very proud of that.“I’ll do my maximum to push the team and take all my responsibility to bring it as far forward as I can. I’m looking forward to next year’s challenge and continuing with AlphaTauri both as a premium fashion brand and a racing team, to keep performing as much as I can to achieve even more success in the future.”"

Here is what team boss Franz Tost had to add about the matter.

"“I’m delighted that Pierre will remain with us for the 2021 season. He has been part of the Red Bull driver pool for many years and I hope he will remain in the Red Bull family for many seasons ahead.“Since he came back to the team last year, he consistently showed extremely good performances achieving two podiums, with a second place in Brazil in 2019 and a win at the team’s home race at this year’s Italian Grand Prix.“Pierre has proven to be highly competitive also thanks to his great race craft, extracting the car’s potential at every race and giving valuable feedback to his engineers. He is mentally very strong, he is always motivated and when he sets a goal he gives it his all to achieve it. I’m looking forward to extending this cooperation and having a successful 2021 season together.”"