A year ago, Formula One driver Pierre Gasly was depressed. The young French driver had been promoted at the start of the 2019 to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull, only to be demoted after barely half the races had been completed in favour of Alex Albon.
He and Verstappen failed to get along, and Gasly did not score the points expected of him.
Instead he was bumped down to race for Red Bulls junior team, Toro Rosso, now known as Alpha Tauri. But whereas lesser characters would have buckled, Gasly has responded to the challenge, and is one of the most improved drivers in the sport.
And he capped that comeback with his maiden Grand Prix win in Italy at Monza on Sunday, although he benefitted from a slice of luck in doing so.
Lewis Hamilton started on pole position and was dominating the race when a safety car incident effectively cost him the race. He was called in to pit, not noticing that a warning light was flashing advising all the drivers that the pit lane was temporarily closed for safety reasons.
The world champion, and championship leader, was subsequently served with a stop-go penalty, which, after he had served it, relegated him to the back of the field. He would subsequently fight his way back to seventh and limited any damage to his points lead this year, with his main rivals unable to take advantage.
The race was then stopped after a heavy crash to Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari, and, when it restarted, Gasly was best placed to take advantage with Hamilton having to serve his penalty.
He took the lead and held it to the end, despite Carlos Sainz in his McLaren closing at the end.
It was a satisfying day for Gasly in so many respects, not least because both Red Bulls failed to perform. Verstappen had to retire with mechanical issues, whilst Albon, the man brought in to replace him, limped home in 15th place.
There are now calls for Red Bull to reinstate Gasly again at the expense of Albon, which would be the ultimate twist of faith and sign of redemption for the Frenchman.
