Vergne believes he deserves a “second chance” from Red Bull

Announced to be leaving Toro Rosso at the end of the season, following the appointment of Max Verstappen as a full-time driver a few weeks ago, Jean-Eric Vergne has ultimately re-entered the race following Sebastian Vettel’s surprise departure from Red Bull.

Indeed, the Austrian firm, reacting swiftly to the announcement of the end of the partnership with its star, has appointed Daniil Kvyat as the second driver for Red Bull Racing. A decision that, in fact, leaves a seat open at Faenza. However, with the risk that could arise from fielding two inexperienced drivers, Toro Rosso might consider keeping Vergne. He is, in any case, on the list of possibilities, according to Franz Tost.

« This situation is difficult for the team. I don’t know what’s going to happen, whether they will take another young driver or not, » indicated the Frenchman for Crash.net before the Russian Grand Prix. « Obviously, the decision is not mine and all I can do is deliver strong performances. »

He is even asking for a second chance from his employer, citing his lack of success: « Everyone knows I should have a lot more points without the technical problems. I hope at least that Red Bull can give me a second chance because I think with all the bad luck I’ve had, all the problems, I would deserve it. I’m doing everything to earn that. »

« I think I’ve proven enough things, » he assures. « I will continue to do my best, but I wouldn’t be here if I had to prove things. You see what I mean? Look at Daniel [Ricciardo], we are the same. He was [at Red Bull] because he was better in qualifying and probably stronger mentally, but that’s something I’ve massively improved this season, and if I weren’t mentally stronger, then in the last races [Singapore and Japan, ed.] I probably would never have done what I did. »

In Singapore, with a thunderous finish, No. 25 finished in 6th place in the Grand Prix, managing to overcome two penalties thanks to a newfound aggressiveness. In Japan, starting from the 20th position, he managed to climb up to the 9th place when the race was interrupted due to Jules Bianchi’s accident.

If he has to leave the fold of the red bull brand, he will not forget what he owes them: « Thanks to Red Bull, I’m here. I’m still a Red Bull driver, I’m part of this family more than ever. Without Red Bull, I wouldn’t even be in the F1 paddock. So, whatever decision they make matters little, I will always be grateful to them. I don’t know what the decision will be, but there’s nothing more I can say. »