Autosport Plus

What Red Bull is risking with its driver bombshell

By:

They say history repeats itself and there is certainly a sense of deja vu at Red Bull with the announcement that Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly have switched places for the Belgian Grand Prix - but it's a decision that risks ending not one but two promising careers

Red Bull is no stranger to a mid-season driver change. But its consistent support of Pierre Gasly as the Frenchman struggled to grasp his chance at the senior team this season had distanced the team from the likelihood of the bombshell it dropped as the second week of Formula 1's summer break began on Monday.

From the Belgian Grand Prix, Gasly will be out of the team - for now, at least - and Alex Albon in. To be a fly on the wall at each driver's home would be eye-opening. For Gasly, his big opportunity may have been squandered and his F1 career may now dangle on a thread. Albon, who was not even meant to be in F1 this season, is now thrust into what is simultaneously one of the best and worst seats in grand prix racing.

shares
comments

Kubica still wants more consistent Williams in "complicated" season

The sudden slump that left Gasly defenceless

More from Scott Mitchell

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

F1 Formula 1

Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

F1 Formula 1

Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1 Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

F1 Formula 1

Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0' Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

F1 Formula 1

Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

F1 Formula 1

Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

F1 Formula 1

Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

F1 Formula 1

Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa

How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule

How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
GP Racing

How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule How F1 teams manage the punishing reality of F1’s relentless schedule

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jonathan Noble

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinuackas

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Subscribe