F1 News
Tost: Gasly and Kvyat “simply went to Red Bull too soon”
- Bevan Youl
Scuderia Alpha Tauri boss Franz Tost has sad that his drivers Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat both “went to Red Bull too soon” and have been left with “scars” from their experiences with the team.
Five years ago, Kvyat was promoted to Red Bull for just over a season where he claimed two podiums but the rest of his performances weren’t deemed good enough, being replaced by Max Vertstappen.
Gasly took the seat of Daniel Ricciardo after his departure and only laste half a season with Red Bull in 2019 before being switched back to the then Toro Rosso.
But Tost says they are both grateful for their experiences with the team but it was not the right time for either of them.
“My drivers have some proverbial scars, but they are also grateful for the opportunities they have,” he told Tiroler Tageszeitung newspaper.
“Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat simply went to Red Bull too soon. This was not the intention.
“When Sebastian Vettel left for Ferrari, Kvyat had to take over, and when Daniel Ricciardo left for Renault, it forced Gasly into the second Red Bull seat.
“They would not have been promoted otherwise.”
Tost does expect Red Bull’s star Verstappen to be a serious challenger for the 2020 World Championship, whilst backing Sebastian Vettel for success with Ferrari.
“Verstappen has all the ingredients a champion needs,” he added.
“A huge dose of talent, unlimited passion, unprecedented discipline and creativity on the circuit.
“With Verstappen, Red Bull can definitely compete with Mercedes.
“If he [Vettel] is not treated negatively by Ferrari, he can win races. He can also make it very difficult for Charles Leclerc.
“He is not getting younger, but Vettel is still very fast.”