Christian Horner is "expecting big things" from Gasly

Christian Horner believes Pierre Gasly will deliver for Red Bull next season. As they enter a new era with Honda, it's the same old Toro Rosso driver promotion which has worked well in the past. Horner confirms he isn't expecting miracles from the outset and will give the Frenchman time to settle in.

"I think it will be a challenge for Pierre but one that he's up for," Horner told Motorsport.

"He's come through the same programme as Max, and he's here because we believe he's the best upcoming talent and he deserves that opportunity in the car. So we're expecting big things from Pierre next year."

Gasly will enter his second year in F1 alongside fellow young gun Max Verstappen. Horner expects Verstappen to have the upper edge over Gasly. He says the time will give the Frenchman plenty of time and not make any direct comparisons.

"I think it would be unfair to expect him to be immediately challenging Max. I think you got to give him time to settle into the team," Horner added.

"I think Max has hit a very rich vein of form and he’s one of the most outstanding talents in Formula 1 at the moment. Obviously, Daniel has struggled in qualifying against Max this year, but their race pace has been very comparative. Next year we need to give Pierre time, but I think that he has great ability."

With a combined age of just 43, they form one of the youngest partnerships ever in Formula One. The combined total almost matches Kimi Raikkonen's age alone! But age is just a number. The duo have plenty of experience. Verstappen will mark his 100th Grand Prix next season, while Gasly has won the F2 championship.