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Gasly weighs 2017 options after Red Bull decision

Red Bull junior Pierre Gasly acknowledged his frustration and disappointment in the wake of Toro Rosso's decision to retain Daniil Kvyat for 2017.

The Faenza-based outfit announcement in Austin last week to give the Russian driver another chance next season came as a surprise for many as Gasly was generally viewed as next in line to be promoted to an F1 race seat.

"The target for me of course was to get in Toro Rosso next year," Gasly explained to Autosport.

"I didn't actually understand their decision and I didn't get any reasons as well. It was kind of looking good for me, talking about it with [Red Bull motorsport advisor] Helmut [Marko] and trying to make it.

"Then I don't know what has happened as in two or three days, everything went so quickly. They signed Kvyat.

"I didn't understand it. It looked like I was in the right place but in the wrong moment pretty much from what I understood."

Last week in Abu Dhabi, the GP2 title contender completed a Pirelli 2017 tyre test with Red Bull which some believe may have provided the final assessment in Helmut Marko's decision to keep the Frenchman on the sidelines, at least for now.

Gasly may also be looking to take his fate into his own hands as he weighs his options for next year, with race seats still up for grabs at Force India, Renault, Sauber and Manor.

"I'm really disappointed by it, but now it is done and I need to move forward. I'm already looking at the future. Right now, it's quite wide open still in terms of options - you still have many seats left in Formula 1.

"I've talked quite a lot with Helmut this weekend and he knows my target, that I want to make it into Formula 1.

"We just need to find the best option, the best package, either in F1 or if we can't make it in F1 next year, I do something good to get myself ready for 2018."

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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.