French driver Pierre Gasly will replace the departing Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull next season, the Formula One team announced.
The 22-year-old Gasly, who currently drives for Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso, will line up alongside Max Verstappen after Australian Ricciardo leaves for Renault at the end of the 2018 campaign, the team said yesterday.
“It has been my goal to race for this team since I joined the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme in 2013, and this incredible opportunity is another step forward in my ambition to win Grands Prix and compete for world championships,” said Gasly.
He only made his Formula One debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix last October, but has scored 26 points for Toro Rosso this year, with a best finish of fourth in Bahrain.
Red Bull have struggled for consistency this year, but have managed to win three races, with two of those coming from Ricciardo.
“Red Bull has always looked to fight for championships or victories and that’s what I want,” added Gasly.
“I’m a really competitive guy and when I do something it’s always to fight for the best and top positions.”
Gasly’s promotion will be followed by more driver moves before the start of the 2019 world championship, with McLaren needing to replace the retiring Fernando Alonso.