Pierre Gasly staying at AlphaTauri for 2021

Pierre Gasly will remain at AlphaTauri for the 2021 Formula One season, the team confirmed on Wednesday.

Gasly has enjoyed a fine campaign in 2020, landing his first F1 win at the Italian Grand Prix in September and sitting ninth in the drivers' championship standings.

The Frenchman was demoted to AlphaTauri - then Toro Rosso - midway through last season after just 12 races with Red Bull in which he failed to secure a single podium.

This year's performances had prompted the suggestion Gasly could return to the senior outfit, where Alex Albon is battling to retain the seat he took from the 24-year-old.

But such a return was never a realistic prospect and, as expected, Gasly's new AlphaTauri deal was announced ahead of the two-day Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

"I'm extremely happy to continue with AlphaTauri for another season," the driver said. "This year is going very well, and we are on track to have our most successful season in the team's history.

RACING FOR ALPHA TAURI IN 2021!1 podium + 1 race win means we keep going with my boys at @AlphaTauriF1. I will give my very best to bring success to these guys. One more year in white! The best is yet to come. pic.twitter.com/Lu1XgWvm0L
— PIERRE GASLY (@PierreGASLY) October 28, 2020

"I feel we have a very strong relationship. We have managed to take every opportunity that's come our way, the best one at the Italian Grand Prix.

"Winning my first Formula One race in Monza was a very special moment for me, and it was made extra sweet to deliver a second win in the team's history, so I'm very proud of that.

"I'll do my maximum to push the team and take all my responsibility to bring it as far forward as I can."

Team principal Franz Tost added: "I'm delighted that Pierre will remain with us for the 2021 season.

"He has been part of the Red Bull driver pool for many years and I hope he will remain in the Red Bull family for many seasons ahead.

"Since he came back to the team last year, he consistently showed extremely good performances, achieving two podiums with a second place in Brazil in 2019 and a win at the team's home race at this year's Italian Grand Prix."