"Gasly on same patch as predecessors" - Horner

Red Bulls Team Principal, Christian Horner believes that Pierre Gasly's promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, follows the same youth-focused philosophy that some of his successful predecessors had.

On Monday, Toro Rosso driver Gasly was announced as Max Verstappen's colleage for the 2019 season, as Daniel Ricciardo announced his decision to join Renault at the end of the season.

"Pierre Gasly is another product of the (Red Bull) junior team, it's where Sebastian Vettel came from, where Daniel himself came from, and Max Verstappen," Horner explained to Motorsport.com.

"The Red Bull philosophy has always been invest in youth. Without that, arguably those talents might not have ever been seen. And in Pierre Gasly we see another bright talent that warrants the seat within Red Bull Racing, and I'm sure he'll do very well.

"He's already been our test and reserve driver, he's already had a strong season in his debut season with Toro Rosso, he's the Formula 2 champion from 2016 so he's got all the right credentials.

"Toro Rosso is a great training ground for these young drivers. We've seen it with Vettel, with Ricciardo, with Sainz and Verstappen, and now with Gasly. He'll be the next graduate."

Sainz has impressed with Renault this season and he has made the switch to McLaren for next season to replace Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard was also linked with the Red Bull seat and it was said to be a two-horse race out of Sainz and Gasly for Ricciardo's spot.