Formula one is one of the most cutthroat sports in the world, and with that comes a level of career disappointment for many drivers. One driver who can certainly attest to this is Pierre Gasly.

Once a highly anticipated young talent, Gasly’s career has not risen to the heights that some may have expected after a decade in F1. However, Gasly remains a dependable driver who regularly demonstrates why he’s had longevity in the sport.

So why doesn’t Pierre Gasly get more recognition, and what has gone wrong in his career? We unpack it below.

Demotion from Red Bull

In 2019, Pierre Gasly was demoted from Red Bull Racing after 12 races. For the 23-year-old driver with dreams of driving for a top team, this was a huge blow. Coming off a successful season with Toro Rosso, Red Bull had high hopes and high expectations for his performance. Daniel Ricciardo’s shocking exit from Red Bull was Gasly’s opportunity, and unfortunately he couldn’t capitalize.

Gasly’s brief stint as a Red Bull driver was the first in a long list of transient signings for the team, as they struggled to find a fit for their second seat. However, instead of wallowing, Gasly turned the rest of his season into some of his greatest moments in F1 to date. At the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, Gasly achieved his maiden podium, finishing in P2.

With this podium, Gasly proved demotion does not always define a driver’s story, and set up a redemption arc that has continued to define his career.

The consequences of failing fast

To become a star in Formula 1, drivers need a fast car. Even the most talented driver cannot achieve their potential without a car that can compete on track. This leaves the majority of drivers battling it out in cars that can’t keep pace with the top group.

Pierre Gasly was unfortunately the first victim of the Red Bull curse, and therefore his demotion was highly publicized. Leaving midway through the season presented a narrative that Gasly wasn’t ready for that level of pressure. Gasly continued to perform well with the junior team, but never got a chance to move up again. The nature of his demotion cemented him as a midfield driver in the minds of many. Since then, Gasly has only driven for midfield teams, including Aston Martin, another stint at the rebranded Scuderia Alpha Tauri, and currently, Alpine F1 Team.

Gasly spent much of his junior career racing with Charles Leclerc, and both moved to Formula One around the same time. While Leclerc’s early success set up a long-term partnership with Ferrari, Gasly’s early struggles resulted in his swift exit from Red Bull. While this is a simple comparison, it highlights how team culture, early performance, and a bit of luck can completely change the fate of a driver in the sport.

Under the radar

He may not be winning races every weekend, but there’s a case to be made for Pierre Gasly’s quiet, reliable presence on the grid. Gasly has been driving with Alpine since 2023. Last season, Alpine fell to last place in the Constructors’ standings. During their worst-ever season, Gasly was the bright spot, scoring all of the team’s 22 points. Gasly also reached Q3 sessions 10 times, an impressive feat while driving the slowest car on the grid.

In a better Alpine car this season, Gasly has already scored 42 points. From the midfield, only Liam Lawson is ahead of him in points at 43.

Gasly deserves more

Pierre Gasly’s accolades may not compare to his peers, but he has made the most of his opportunities in many ways. He’s proven his value even in a slow car, and should never be ruled out as a contender.

In the right car, Pierre Gasly has the potential to be a true threat in the Drivers’ Championship. Whether or not he’ll get that chance again in his Formula One career is another story.