Pierre Gasly cautious at Spa: “We know we have a difficult season”

Pierre Gasly had an unlucky Sunday last week in Hungary, suffering from two consecutive mechanical failures after the previous Grand Prix. Interviewed by the press this Thursday, the Frenchman admitted to persistent difficulties lately.

« Not everyone on the team was happy with the past two weekends. We are fighting for the same goals, explained Pierre Gasly. « We know we have a challenging season and it is important to make the most of every race and try to maximize the opportunities we can have. Clearly, it didn’t go as we would have liked. The good news is that we know exactly why. »

He indicated that Alpine has put in place a plan and processes to solve problems, different each time. « I think it’s important to leave that behind us and learn what we need to learn from these past weekends. We look forward and it’s important to have a smooth weekend as a team here in Spain », he continued, determined in Spa.

A big step forward at Alpine.

Precisely, how does this Belgian Grand Prix weekend look? With previous up-and-down weekends, Pierre Gasly admits not really having any expectations for this circuit. I just want to focus on having a clean weekend, making the most of the package we have and hoping it will be good for points. But you see, recently we have made a big step forward, he indicated… Before adding that AlphaTauri has also made a big step forward. It’s a close battle but I hope we can get the points.

Regarding speculations about the future of this team, which is supposed to abandon Renault engines from 2026, the Frenchman wanted to clarify that it is quite transparent and that they all know the situation. « It’s not like I have a big say in these decisions but obviously these are things we discuss among ourselves and I obviously give my point of view, what I think, and I am interested in the future of the team to know exactly what is going on. I think it’s quite clear from my side, it’s up to management to make this choice. »

Pierre Gasly is convinced that everything is very clear for all parties and that they will have answers in the weeks to come.

Finally, regarding the special Deadpool livery at Spa, he indicated that it does not change anything in terms of the weight or performance of the car.

Thoughts for Anthoine Hubert

As every year since Anthoine Hubert’s death at Spa in 2019, Pierre Gasly will lead a run on the circuit tonight to pay tribute to his late friend. He will lay flowers at the location of his accident, above the Raidillon.

« I have always said that Spa is my favorite track, or probably one of my favorite tracks on the calendar. I am always very excited to come and race here. But obviously, since 2019, it always comes with these kinds of mixed feelings that make it special in a way, he admitted. « I don’t really know if I like the circuit or not. In a way, it reminds me of my friend and brings back a lot of beautiful stories, etc. But at the same time, I don’t deny it, but I struggle to accept what happened. »

« I think it is important to remember when such things happen and we lose champions who are trying to make a career. This has always been part of our sport, but obviously over the years we tend to forget that it is a dangerous sport and unfortunately things can happen at any time,” regretted Pierre Gasly. « So I think for me, it is a good gesture to come together. »