Formula One: Red Bull confirm Pierre Gasly as Ricciardo's 2019 replacement

Brendon Hartley's Toro Rosso teammate Pierre Gasly will join Red Bull for the 2019 Formula One season.

The 22-year-old replaces the outgoing Daniel Ricciardo, who made the surprising decision to jump to Renault last month.

Gasly, tipped by some as a future world champion, has been consistent for Red Bull's feeder team in 2018, scoring 26 championship points, including fourth at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Gasly only joined the Austrian outfit towards the end of last season, but has impressed with his raw speed, often out-qualifying his Kiwi teammate.

Kiwi Brendon Hartley.
Kiwi Brendon Hartley. Photo credit: Getty

The Frenchman said it was a dream come true to earn a spot in one of Formula One's elite teams.

"I'm so excited to be joining this top team," Gasly said. "It has been my goal to race for this team since I joined the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme in 2013.

"This incredible opportunity is another step forward in my ambition to win Grand Prix and compete for world championships.

"Red Bull has always looked to fight for championships or victories, and that’s what I want. I’m a really competitive guy and when I do something, it’s always to fight for the best and top positions."

The news of Gasly's departure is an encouraging sign for Hartley, whose job with Toro Rosso may now be safe, given his experience and ability as a test driver.

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