Button: 'I think he's leaving the Red Bull family'

Alpine seems logical

Sky Sports analysts are also speculating about where Gasly will eventually land. Former world champion Jenson Button does not see the Frenchman returning to Red Bull Racing, AlphaTauri's parent team. "I imagine he will have a number of options at the end of next year, but where will he go," Button wonders aloud. "Alpine probably, because I think he wants to be in an independent team. In the future, it needs to stay consistently ahead of AlphaTauri. Alpine has the money to do that."

Fellow analyst Damon Hill has praised Gasly's qualities. "Nobody doubts his abilities," Hill said. "It's a shame he went to Red Bull. That's a very difficult environment and the youngsters don't have the authority to deal with it. Perez is holding his own against the bosses, but is a more experienced driver. "

French at French

Gasly's contract with Red Bull expires in 2023. When he is released in two years, Gasly will already be 27 years old. That seems an ideal time to make the move to a team vying for the world title. At Alpine, Esteban Ocon is still locked in until 2024, so adding Gasly would create a complete French team.