Pierre Gasly — 2017 season

Pierre Gasly's 2017 Formula 1 season was a fragmented but pivotal introduction, seeing him make his debut with Scuderia Toro Rosso across several late-season races, laying the groundwork for his subsequent career.

Going in

As a highly-rated member of the Red Bull Junior Team, Pierre Gasly arrived in Formula 1 with a significant pedigree, having won the GP2 Series championship in 2016 and competing for the Super Formula title in Japan during 2017. His call-up to Toro Rosso was not a pre-planned full-season debut but rather a mid-season opportunity driven by the team's evolving driver lineup. Daniil Kvyat's inconsistent performances and Carlos Sainz Jr.'s impending move to Renault created a vacancy, opening the door for Gasly to step onto the grid. This context meant Gasly's initial appearances were less about immediate results and more about evaluating his readiness for the sport's highest level, while simultaneously balancing his Super Formula championship aspirations, which saw him battling for the title right up to the final round.

How it played out

Gasly made his Formula 1 debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix, driving the #10 Toro Rosso STR12. This initial outing, followed by the Japanese Grand Prix, provided him with crucial experience in a competitive environment. He demonstrated a rapid adaptation to the V6 turbo-hybrid machinery and the demands of an F1 race weekend, often running competitively against his more experienced teammate, Daniil Kvyat. However, his F1 journey was temporarily interrupted. Due to a clash with the Super Formula season finale at Suzuka, Gasly was released by Toro Rosso to pursue his championship bid, missing the United States and Mexican Grands Prix. This period saw Brendon Hartley, another Red Bull junior, make his debut in Gasly's absence. Gasly returned for the final two races of the season in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, now paired with Hartley, as the driver lineup solidified for Red Bull’s junior team. While he did not score any championship points in his five appearances, his performances were characterized by a consistent approach and a clear ability to extract pace from the Toro Rosso package, which was typically a midfield contender. His qualifying pace, in particular, often placed him ahead of his new teammate, Hartley, providing early indications of his potential. In contrast to the full rookie season experienced by Lance Stroll — 2017 season at Williams, Gasly's fragmented debut presented a different challenge of adapting on the fly.

Defining moments

Gasly's debut at Sepang was a significant personal milestone, marking his entry into Formula 1 after years in the Red Bull development program. His decision to prioritize the Super Formula finale, despite having an F1 seat, underscored his commitment to securing a championship, a testament to his competitive drive. This choice, while unusual, ultimately paid off in terms of experience and demonstrated his ability to manage high-pressure situations. His return for the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he continued to demonstrate solid, unspectacular but consistent performance, effectively confirmed his place within the Red Bull structure for the following season. This period of the season was also notable for the frequent driver changes at Toro Rosso, a dynamic that Gasly had to navigate while simultaneously learning the complexities of Formula 1.

What it meant

The 2017 season served as a vital, albeit brief, apprenticeship for Pierre Gasly. It provided him with invaluable track time, experience with the team, and exposure to the unique pressures of Formula 1. While the lack of points meant no immediate impact on the Constructors' Championship for Toro Rosso, his consistent showings against multiple teammates, particularly in qualifying, convinced Red Bull of his capabilities. This partial campaign was instrumental in securing him a full-time drive with Toro Rosso for the 2018 season, where he would continue to develop. His trajectory from this debut season, much like how Lance Stroll — 2018 season built upon his rookie year, showed a clear path of progression. The experience gained in 2017, navigating team changes and a competitive midfield, was foundational for his future growth in the sport, setting the stage for more impactful performances, similar to the continued development seen in Lance Stroll — 2019 season. It confirmed that Gasly was a driver capable of operating at the Formula 1 level, ready for a full campaign.