Gasly: I must beat Verstappen to be the best

It did not take Red Bull long to confirm Daniel Ricciardo's replacement when the Australian dropped his Renault defection bombshell.

Clearly, Red Bull bosses have faith in the rookie who has impressed with his performances in the Honda-powered Toro Rosso and thus joins a driver he has raced against since their karting days.

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Gasly spoke of his promotion and prospect of partnering Verstappen, "I think it’s pretty exciting. I think Max is one of the best drivers on the grid at the moment."

"Of course I am only in my first season in Formula 1 and I’m still taking experience, but I think there is a great opportunity ahead of me. I have a really good relationship with Max. I know him a really long time; we raced together in karting."

"I think as a team we have the potential to do great things together and yeah, I’ve worked with the team for a couple of years now. For sure, I will have things to learn in the first few races and the first months, because I’m still quite new in Formula 1."

"My long-term target is to be the best in the sport and if I want to be the best I will have to fight against the best. I think Max is one of the best drivers on the grid at the moment, so I take it as an amazing opportunity to drive next to him."

Although Red Bull's Honda future is unpredictable, they are nowhere near the pacesetters, Gasly is relishing the step-up to a Big Three team and ready to embrace the challenges that may arise.

"Next year I’ll be in a top team, so fighting for much better positions than I am at the moment. It means more pressure from the team, more responsibilities, and I think that will be the main thing. I will have a really strong team-mate also next to me – but yeah, you know I’m always excited with challenges."

"As I said, I think all of us in Formula One, we all want to be the best in the sport and to be the best you need to fight against the best. So, I’m happy to take the challenge. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I think the most important thing."

"As I said, I’m still in my first season in Formula 1 so I still need to take experience, still need to learn a few things and I know I can improve myself in a couple of areas so I just need to focus on myself, keep developing myself and after just be fast on track."

"That’s the most important thing. As long as you’re fast and competitive and delivering what the team expects you to do on track then everything is fine. I know my goals and I don’t really need anyone to tell me what I need to do."

"I know I need to deliver on track, and I’m a competitive guy, I’m not satisfied if I don’t perform well, so I just need to focus on myself and deliver next year," added the 22-year-old from Rouen.

Verstappen has welcomed his soon to be new teammate, "He’s a great guy. I know him already since we were go-karting together."

"Even at the beginning of this year he was one week in Monaco, he stayed in my apartment so playing FIFA in the evenings so we have a good relationship and I’m sure he is very quick as well, so I think it’s good for the team," added the Dutchman.