It’s been five years since Pierre Gasly finished runner-up in Super Formula on his way to a Toro Rosso F1 drive, but his 2017 campaign is still looked back upon with fondness in the Japanese series’ paddock. That’s partly because no other Red Bull junior since has come close to matching Gasly’s achievements, but also partly because it represented a high point in the series’ reputation as a stepping stone to the big-time that has since faded.
Red Bull F1 reserve driver Liam Lawson is hoping to re-establish that link next season as he becomes the latest protege of the energy drink firm to move to Super Formula, and the comparisons with Gasly are irresistible.
