Pierre Gasly reveals what he told Yuki Tsunoda about Red Bull after shock promotion

Pierre Gasly has disclosed what he discussed about Red Bull with Yuki Tsunoda following the Japanese driver's surprise promotion ahead of his home grand prix.

The 24-year-old heads into the weekend at Suzuka looking to stamp his mark on the seat alongside Max Verstappen after Liam Lawson's ill-fated and short-lived tenure at the Milton Keynes team.

Tsunoda's former AlphaTauri team-mate Pierre Gasly has been in the drive often coined "the most difficult in F1" himself, lasting just 12 rounds in 2019 before being replaced by Alex Albon.

After news broke that Lawson was being sent back to Racing Bulls, to Tsunoda's gain, the Frenchman spoke to the Japanese driver to share his experience racing for the six-time F1 constructors' champions - and impart some words of advice.

"Yeah, we spoke on the phone," Gasly told media including RacingNews365. "Obviously, the way that I was also given this opportunity and just in terms of what didn’t quite work out and things that could have been different.

"I think he’s got the experience, he’s got the speed. I’ve always backed him up. I’ve raced against him and with him for two years. I’ve seen his raw speed. I’ve seen what he was capable of doing already back at the time. We can look back in 2021, all these years, I’ve always said he was an extremely fast driver.

"So he’s got the speed. I think he’s got a strong character. Does it mean it’s going to be successful in Red Bull Racing? No. Can he be successful in Red Bull Racing? Yes. But it’s slightly more complicated than that.

"I just wish him the best. I’ve shared my thoughts and my experience from my time there. Time will tell, but I think he’s definitely a very strong driver. And in Formula 1 these days, you’ve got many strong drivers on the grid, so it’s not all down to your speed. There’s slightly more to it, but hopefully he can make the best out of this opportunity."

Gasly offers 'too hectic' verdict on past Tsunoda conduct

Tsunoda was narrowly pipped by Lawson in the fight for the seat when Sergio Perez was dismissed at the end of last season.

Despite having the better of the New Zealander in the six rounds they shared together after Daniel Ricciardo was jettisoned from the RB seat for the 23-year-old, Tsunoda has long been viewed as too volatile and immature to make the step up to Red Bull.

It is something the team already feels is different this term. It is also an assessment Gasly agrees with.

"I think he always had the raw speed," the one-time grand prix winner said. "It was a little bit too hectic behind the wheel at times, on the radio.

"I think in that sense he’s matured enough in minimising the mistakes. It’s all a fine line between pushing right at the limit or over pushing slightly too much, which can be quite costly in Formula 1. And I think he's tuned that line.

"Looking at the past few seasons, I think he’s been putting in very strong performances. Speed-wise, he always had it. But in just minimising those mistakes, which could have been quite costly at the time - yeah."