Gasly: “I don’t need to worry!”
Even dominated by Max Verstappen in 2019, the French driver is not worried before Monaco, with the confidence of the Horner/Marko duo, and an improving season.
The Praise of Patience. In a world where everything must perform as quickly as possible, Pierre Gasly seems almost to go against the tide. Beaten in qualifying and in the race by his teammate since Melbourne, the Frenchman is nonetheless relaxed, just a few hours before the start of free practice in the Principality.
The reason for this apparent serenity? Probably the self-confidence of its leaders, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, the latter calling him every week for an update.
« They have been encouraging me since the beginning of the season », emphasized the Norman this Wednesday from the paddock. Aware of his results below Verstappen, his simple explanation: « within the team, with all possible information, everyone knows how things really are. There are things that explain my lack of performance. » Things? The curiosity of all the journalists is piqued: « a technical deficit » Gasly states laconically at a colleague’s suggestion, confirming in passing that he uses a different chassis than Verstappen. But a few seconds later, the Frenchman ensures his own after-sales service:
« I am confident. Obviously, it is not simple to join a new team. You want everything to be perfect from the first day but that’s obviously not possible! You need to be patient and have a measured approach by maximizing every detail. »
« I still have to adapt to my car but I am confident: things will get better and better. »
📟 “One lap in qualifying can be the most exciting of the season. It’s just the rush of adrenaline during those 70 seconds, you’re almost touching the walls.” 🙌 @PierreGASLY ahead of the #MonacoGP 🇲🇨👉 https://t.co/06ALoyDkp3 #F1 pic.twitter.com/qUlLCFpG1W
— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 22 mai 2019
Monaco, a great opportunity?
Obviously! This race in the Principality is a chance for him to shine in front of everyone. Especially since Gasly succeeded in his 2018 edition, with a Q3 and a 7th place finish. But above all, the Rouen native is in the car of last year’s winning driver, Daniel Ricciardo. His own car doesn’t have to be ashamed either, with a performance close to Ferrari. Based on the recent races, we can say that the team has been competitive, emphasizes the driver with number 10. This track suits the car very well. We are not the favorites, but we can have a better performance than on other circuits.
Facing him, his first opponent will of course be his own teammate, driven by a spirit of revenge: Max Verstappen should have contended for victory last year, if not for his mistake in FP3 on Saturday morning. But Gasly confirms it: the Dutchman is relaxed; he has proven since the beginning of the season that he knows how to manage his races!
« Having a reference like Max is something fantastic: I learn a lot from his experience within the team! »
But if by chance Gasly manages to get ahead of his teammate, they will also have to contend with the Mercedes! And the last race in Spain doesn’t inspire optimism: in the winding third sector, during Q3, Bottas’ W10 was five-tenths behind Verstappen’s RB15. This conclusion from the Frenchman is unequivocal: « The Mercedes is really scary! They are very competitive and they have made further progress in Barcelona. I watched the speed in the corners, they are fast everywhere! »
Five-tenths: can such a gap be closed after Q3 this Saturday afternoon?
From our special correspondent in Monaco
