Gasly: Verstappen partnership positive for Red Bull

Pierre Gasly says that partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season is a positive thing for the team. The Milton Keynes outfit confirmed on Tuesday evening that Gasly would join the energy drink squad next year, replacing Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

Gasly made his Formula 1 debut less than a year ago, but has impressed so far in 2018. He has recorded 26 points in the opening half of the season, recording a best finish of fourth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Frenchman will be teammates with Verstappen next year, which will undoubtedly prove to be a challenge for Gasly. Despite both being under 23 years old, Gasly thinks that the partnership will be a positive situation for Red Bull.

"We used to race against each other in karting in 2010 as a junior, so we’ve already raced together, but not for the same team," he said. "We’ve actually had a couple of close battles, sometimes good for me, sometimes not so good, but we really enjoyed that time.

"We really respect each other a lot as drivers, but also as friends, so I’m really excited to join him in the team with him. As we have a strong friendship it will be only a positive for the team," he added.

Gasly was immediately linked with the Red Bull drive following Ricciardo's shock announcement that he would be leaving the team. However, the 2016 GP2 champion says that there was heaps of excitement when he got the call from Dr Helmu Marko.

"When Helmut started the call with me I was in my underwear," Gasly admitted. "When the call ended I ran around the house shouting to my mates and they all jumped in the pool straight away!

"There was so much excitement and I was so happy about it because it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. Of course when I came in to the Red Bull junior programme that was the target, to drive in Formula 1 for this team, so I was just so so happy and had so much excitement.

"There were a lot of emotions as well and I was just so shocked. I didn’t really know what I was saying to my mates, so I jumped in the pool and celebrated with my mates and family. It was even more special to be there with them as we only really get to spend one week a year together. We try to see each other every year, but of course with the Formula 1 calendar it’s difficult to see them.

"So to get the news during that week when I was with them was even better. They’ve supported me every weekend from my karting days and as I was moving up through the series. Celebrating with them, they were just super happy for me as well, so it was a great moment."