Pierre Gasly went “back to basics” and was a “different driver” throughout the British Grand Prix weekend, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Gasly joined Red Bull as a replacement for Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo but endured a fraught start to the year, lacking pace compared to team-mate Max Verstappen.
Gasly finished a lacklustre 10th at his home race in France, lapping seconds off Verstappen’s pace, and classified a seventh a week later in Austria, a full lap down on his victorious team-mate.
It prompted Horner to suggest that Gasly needed a “reset” and the Frenchman arrived in Britain in a more confident mood, going on to record the quickest time in the first practice session.
Gasly fought in the Red Bull/Ferrari battle for much of the weekend and came home fourth, within five seconds of podium finisher Charles Leclerc.
“I think Pierre has done a very good job all weekend,” said Horner.
“Austria was a tough weekend for him, I thin coming here [to Silverstone], just focusing on what he’s doing and not worrying about what his team-mate’s doing and just getting back to basics.
“He’s been like a different driver all weekend, from the first session he’s been competitive, he’s built on that in P2, in all three elements of qualifying he was competitive.
“In the race he passed [Sebastian] Vettel early, raced hard with Leclerc, and I thought he drove very well.”
Gasly added that he never doubted his and Red Bull’s ability to emerge from the slump.
“I am someone who is always optimistic and I have always been confident that once we get everything sorted things will get better,” he said.
“I am happy that things came together at the weekend. But I think we need to keep pushing in that direction and we can get even more.”
