In defence of F1's indefensibly cruel driver scheme
The sudden demotion of Pierre Gasly has amplified the argument that Red Bull is too harsh on its junior drivers, but its perceived cruelty is actually better for Formula 1 as a whole. Here's why
Pierre Gasly's mid-season demotion to Toro Rosso, just 12 races into his time with Red Bull's main Formula 1 team and in a season when he was promised patience, has offered fresh ammunition for those who doubt Red Bull's methods.
Alex Albon, thrust into Gasly's vacant seat after just 12 F1 races full stop, has joked he has his "swimming shorts" ready for his dive into the deep end. But the rookie's rapid promotion and Gasly's treatment has triggered the usual suggestion that Red Bull's attitude towards young drivers is indefensibly cruel, and raised the wider question of whether its junior programme is really working.
Share Or Save This Story
The driver who can wreck F1's "super exciting" 2020 silly season
Red Bull's Verstappen now has basis for first F1 title challenge
Ferrari: Mick Schumacher a good candidate for seat in Formula 1
Hamilton felt pressure of revitalised Mercedes team-mate 'Bottas 2.0'
Alfa team boss Vasseur: Squad must maximise results in chaotic races
Honda: Verstappen F1 relationship like seeing a young Senna
Ferrari: Key team personnel running F1 would be conflict of interest
Late Spa shunt could have cost Giovinazzi his drive - Alfa
Live: F1 Chinese GP updates – FP1 & Sprint qualifying
How real-time scrutineering ensures fair and consistent competition in motorsport
How MotoGP brakes work: Secrets of stopping a 220mph bike
Hyundai enacts contingency plan after WRC Kenya fuel issue
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
