Who Will Replace Pierre Gasly if He is Sacked?

Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly has been having a horror show of the 2019 Formula One season. The French driver was promoted to the senior squad from Toro Rosso after delivering solid performances. Unfortunately, that for has not carried over to Red Bull and he struggled to keep up with Max Verstappen.

To make matters worse, Red Bull are not know for being very patient, and Pierre Gasly has been thrown into the deep end. One person who can attest to Red Bull’s ruthlessness is Daniil Kvyat, who got booted down to Toro Rosso after inconsistent results from just 4 races. So, with Gasly’s seat under threat, who would replace him at the Austrian outfit?

Daniil Kvyat

It would honestly be poetic if Daniil Kvyat returned to the team that dropped him in favour of Max Verstappen. The Russian driver proved that he is as fast as ever when he grabbed an unexpected podium in Hockenheim. He currently sits in 9th in the driver’s championship and his level of consistency will be useful for Red Bull in their fight for the constructor’s championship. Up until Germany, Kvyat’s highest position was 7th, which he achieved at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg is Mr Consistent and a seat at Red Bull would certainly be a fine reward for a driver of his calibre and talent. Who knows, maybe he can finally break that podium jinx that has lingered over his head since the start of his F1 career. Hulkenberg has often been the best of the rest behind the top three Formula One teams. So, if Red Bull really want consistent points finishes and someone who could keep up with Max Verstappen, Hulk is the man for the job. It is also evident that the German is growing frustrated at Renault and will jump at the chance if Red Bull decide to axe Pierre Gasly.

Jean-Eric Vergne

This may seen like an unprecedented move, but since Red Bull have no Academy drivers left, they may have no choice. Initially, Daniel Ticktum would have been a good choice to bring up to the F1 grid, when he gets his superlicense, but they let him go from the programme.

However, roping in Vergne also seems like a long shot as he has been very successful in Formula E. JEV even won his second consecutive title there, becoming the first driver to do so. The French driver seems perfectly content in F1’s electric cousin and will be gunning for a hat-trick.

Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz Jr may not be in a Red Bull affiliated team, but he still has roots in the Red Bull family. The Spaniard was disappointed to not get promoted to the senior team after Max Verstappen was called up. But if Red Bull bench Pierre Gasly, Sainz Jr could reunite with Verstappen. The two drivers have been almost evenly matched during their tenure together and this could be beneficial for the Bulls.

Alex Albon

This move may seem far-fetched as the Thai youngster is only a rookie. However, Alex Albon has turned in some decent performances for Toro Rosso alongside his more senior teammate. His highest position in Formula One is 6th place at the topsy-turvy German Grand Prix. It was the same race that saw his partner grab an unexpected, but welcome podium.