Pierre Gasly's contract with Red Bull could come to an end at the conclusion of the 2022 season should the French driver have an approach from a higher-placed team, RacingNews365.com understands. Gasly is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2023, meaning that he can be placed at either Red Bull Racing or AlphaTauri as the company sees fit. Having been demoted from Red Bull during the summer of 2019, Gasly has been with the junior team ever since, but made it clear his intention was to return to the senior squad. However, despite a stellar 2021 season from Gasly, Red Bull have opted to re-sign Sergio Perez on a new two-year deal – meaning Gasly will not have that opportunity until, at least, the end of 2024. Gasly's name has been linked with a potential move away from AlphaTauri, with one possibility being McLaren in light of recent comments from CEO Zak Brown about Daniel Ricciardo's continued under-performance.
Gasly: There are "ongoing conversations" with Marko
Despite his ongoing contract with Red Bull, RacingNews365.com understands from sources close to Gasly that his contract has exit clauses to allow him to leave, provided a deal is made with a team higher placed in the Constructors' Championship. This would mean McLaren is a viable option, should Gasly get an offer. When asked about his plans for the future in light of Perez's re-signing, Gasly said he is engaging in "ongoing conversations" with Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko. "Well, at the moment, it is not a question of looking outside [Red Bull] or looking anywhere," Gasly told media, including RacingNews365.com . "I think my contract situation is pretty clear with Red Bull. "It's just ongoing conversation with Helmut and the management to know what's best for all of us. But, as I said, it's been very logical that they signed Sergio. "He's been competitive since the start of the year, so yeah, no surprise on that side. Obviously, it impacts what's going to happen for my career in the coming years and, based on that, we just need to have normal conversation on what's best going forward."
Gasly: "The right decision will be made at the right time"
Asked whether he is specifically looking for a move away from Red Bull, Gasly said he had "nothing to add". "At the moment, as I say, these are conversations that are ongoing and I have nothing more to add," he emphasised. "The right decision will be made at the right time. "I know why I'm here. I know what I want to achieve in Formula 1. I'm a competitive guy and the only thing that matters to me is performance. We are F1 drivers here to fight for wins, poles, and championships and that's what drives me every single day. "That's why I'm pushing myself beyond my limits every single time. At the end of the day, that's what will make the difference. But as I say, for now, it's a matter of performing with AlphaTauri and we'll take the decision at the right time."
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