Gasly focused on personal development, not return to Red Bull

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly says he isn't fixated on his 2020 future and a potential return to Red Bull Racing, insisting his primary focus is on improving himself as a driver.

Gasly was promoted to the Milton Keynes-based outfit at the start of the year, but disappointing performances and his inability to rival with the pace of teammate Max Verstappen prompted Red Bull chiefs Helmut Marko and Christian Horner to demote the 23-year-old back to Toro Rosso in an inter-team swap with Alex Albon.

While the British-Thai racer has acquitted himself well in his new environment, Marko hasn't dismissed bringing Gasly back for 2020.

Albon found 'little tricks' to improve speed in Singapore

"To be fair, I think, I stopped reading and looking at all the talks, because there are so many, and I need to focus on my job with the team," Gasly said.

"I think at the moment, I am pretty happy with the way it goes, with the performance we are showing, so we'll see what they'll do.

"I am happy with Toro Rosso, and I just need to perform as much as I can for this team, and we'll see what they decide in the future.

"I am focusing on becoming a better athlete, becoming a better driver, a more experienced, improving what I can affect on my side to be more complete driver, and that's where my focus is."

©ToroRosso

Gasly delivered a strong drive in Singapore, finshing 8th at Marina Bay following a race in which he comprehensively outpaced teammate Daniil Kvyat, the first rival he needs to beat.

"I know my performance will just keep improving, with more weekends and once I get the feeling that OK, I know 100 percent when I do this with the car this will happen, and this and that…

"So, I think I am going to become a bit more consistent.

"But of course, yes, your first rival is always your team mate, and that is the first comparison. So, it is always good to beat him."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.