Lewis Hamilton believes Pierre Gasly's maiden Formula 1 victory will have proven a painful experience for Red Bull.
Gasly took the chequered flag for AlphaTauri at the end of a thrilling Italian Grand Prix, completing his road to redemption just over a year after being demoted by Red Bull to then Toro Rosso, and replaced by Alex Albon.
The French driver has proven a revelation over the past 12 months, delivering a number of fine performances, including his second place in last season's Brazilian Grand Prix when he memorably drag-raced Hamilton to the line.
The 24-year-old's triumph at Monza was also eye-opening given how he held his nerve over the closing laps while being hunted down by McLaren's Carlos Sainz, finishing just 0.415secs ahead of the Spaniard.
It was naturally a drive that caught Hamilton's eye, one he feels that would have been felt deeply by all at Red Bull.
"Firstly, Pierre is just a really nice guy and I think he has a lot of talent," said Hamilton.
"I don't think he was necessarily treated fairly at Red Bull when he got demoted. I think it is not easy for a driver when that happens so I empathise with that.
"To then build the confidence up in a not-as-quick team and to turn that around with some really great performances he has had this year already with that car, and then to get himself a win, it is not easy to do that.
"I'm really impressed. I think he has done a fantastic job and he deserves the success and hopefully, that creates an opportunity for him moving forwards."
To conclude, Hamilton pointedly added: "And then he beat the team that demoted him so that is definitely going to hurt for them."
Before you go...
Ferrari "studying" history-making works Le Mans entry
Related