Pierre Gasly, 7th in qualifying: “I wasn’t expecting it, nobody really saw it coming”
After a surprisingly good qualifying session, from which he will start in 7th position tomorrow, Pierre Gasly remains positive and determined to continue improving the team's performance despite a difficult season so far.
<a href="/f1/actualite/33911-la-reussite-dalpine-qualifications-est-tres-inattendue-esteban-ocon.html" title=La réussite d'Alpine en qualifications est "très inattendue" pour Esteban Ocon
Just like Esteban Ocon, 9th for the start this Sunday, Pierre Gasly expressed his surprise after qualifying for Q3 at the Spanish Grand Prix, from which he emerged 7th. "I didn't expect it," he confessed to journalists after the qualifying session. "I think nobody really saw it coming. I always said it is more pleasant to explain why we are overperforming, rather than why we are underperforming."
The Frenchman emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons for this exceptional performance: « But it is equally important for us to find these answers because coming here, we definitely did not expect to have a car in Q3. »
Since yesterday's trials, the team has noticed encouraging performances, a trend that continued today. Since yesterday, there was performance and even today, it was a very clean session, he said. When examining the gaps, he noted that they were only a tenth and a half behind Lewis Hamilton and even Carlos Sainz.
A motivation boost for the team
Gasly added that this qualifying session was a good morale boost for the team, which is going through a tough period with many reshuffles and persistent rumors that Alpine would abandon its Renault engine in 2026. « We accept this result, it was a good qualifying session and I think it’s a very good motivation boost for the team.
The native of Rouen also mentioned his meeting with Flavio Briatore, recently announced as executive advisor at Alpine. « Yes, I spoke with him yesterday. He was very clear about his ambitions and I want to be at the top of the pack and that’s what he wants too. So we are aligned on the goals and ambitions for the team. »
He also praised the involvement of Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and present in Barcelona this weekend in the project: « Luca, the first, I know how motivated he is with the project. I’m sure that a day like today, he is happy to see the improvements and we must continue. »
In conclusion, Gasly emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean race, especially in light of recent events: « We owe it. As far as I’m concerned, it has always been the case. I think there is no doubt. » He added that it would be normal to have a discussion tonight and tomorrow, but as a professional, « he knows what he has to do » this Sunday.
