Pierre Gasly has downplayed thoughts he could receive similar treatment to Red Bull outcast Daniil Kvyat should he earn a promotion to the senior team next season.

With Daniel Ricciardo announcing his departure from the Milton Keynes-based outfit to Renault, Gasly has found himself in the running to replace the Australian to partner Max Verstappen.

However, Red Bull is carefully analysing its options for next year, with the team admitting it won’t necessarily choose a driver from its young driver programme.

The team is known to not waste time giving young talent a shot in the senior outfit, but is not afraid to show them the door should they not perform to expectations after Daniil Kvyat’s double demotion.

Despite Kvyat’s demotion from Red Bull in 2016, and from the entire programme last year, Gasly sees no reason to believe he’ll be treated in a similar fashion.

“No. If I’m fast, I’ll have my chance,” Gasly told Marca. “I need to focus, make sure I’m fast and the rest will come.

“It depends how you see things. Look at Red Bull and all the drivers who did not reach the first team, or look at Verstappen, Vettel, Ricciardo and the others who were successful.”

Gasly has endured a successful first full season in Formula 1, with three strong points finishes this season – including a fourth in Bahrain. However, the Frenchman insists, while he has desires on racing for Red Bull in the future, he is happy to remain with Toro Rosso for another year.

“Yes, I would like that but I’m not thinking about it too much,” he added.

“I am happy with my season so far at Toro Rosso, I’m happy to be here. At the moment, nothing is decided, I think.

“It’s a similar situation to Carlos. We’re both waiting to see what happens.

“It’s my first season in F1 and I’m 22, so I am happy to stay at Toro Rosso if they need me. But of course I want to fight for the championship as soon as possible.”