F1 | Marko: “We plan to end the season with Gasly”

Helmut Marko has denied rumors about a probable seat swap between Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat for the current season. The 23 year old has not yet achieved satisfactory results and according to many, he seems to be suffering from living with Max Verstappen. During the French Grand Prix, Marko spoke to Kvyat's manager, Nicholas Todt but denied that the topic was the replacement with Gasly.

“It's fake news. Last week we were talking about Nico Hulkenberg, now about Kvyat. I talk to a lot of people, I also talked to Nicholas' father, Jean Todt."

Asked whether Gasly should be worried, the Red Bull consultant replied:

“You should be worried about the speed shown in France. However, we plan to finish the season with him." 

Marko added that Gasly's car will be “fully controlled” before the Austrian GP to ensure that the lack of pace was not due to a technical problem.

Despite Marko's confirmation, former driver Giedo van der Garde believes Gasly's seat is at risk:

“They could try Alexander Albon who is doing well. Anyone could be two or three tenths slower than Max, but five is too many. Gasly is a good driver, but coming to a team like Red Bull with a teammate like Verstappen, you feel the pressure and it becomes very difficult. I think if it doesn't improve by the summer break, Red Bull will see what to do."