“It’s disrespectful towards Jules (Bianchi) and his family”, Gasly does not lose his temper after the tractor episode

We haven't been far from a new drama on the Suzuka circuit this Sunday. Eight years after Jules Bianchi's terrible accident during the disastrous 2014 Japanese GP, Pierre Gasly experienced an episode that could also have ended very badly

After a stop at the end of the first lap to change his damaged wing and while he wanted to catch up with the peloton, the driver Alpha Tauri, launched at high speed, crossed the path of a towing vehicle which was on the track to evacuate the Ferrari de Carlos Sainz ! On the radio, the Norman's reaction was quick to be heard with legitimate anger on his part. “ What is this bullshit ! Why is there a tractor on the track? I just passed by! This is unacceptable ! What is this bullshit ? I can't believe it! » A few moments later, while the red flag had been waved, Pierre Gasly did not let up in his stand. “ I could have killed myself! » he said to the communications manager at AlphaTauri, Fabiana Valentini.

Gasly's incomprehension

In the process, the FIA ​​intervened by sharing a message further incriminating the Tricolore for its “ great speed » while the race was under neutralization regime. Later, she announced that an investigation would be opened after arrival.

While Max Verstappen celebrated his 2^e title acquired in total confusion, Pierre Gasly took the time to return to this incident. At the microphone of Canal +, the Norman was surprised by the episode he experienced and which could have ended in tragedy.

« From my point of view, it's disrespectful to Jules (Whites) and his family and everyone who races, he said. I'm already happy to be alive and that nothing happened. This is exactly where Carlos (Sainz) lost the car. There was no indication. We've already talked about it millions of times, it's the most dangerous thing. I don't see why we didn't wait a minute (additional) time for all the cars to enter the pit lane and then send the tractor onto the track. I was extremely scared because if I had lost the car in aquaplaning I wouldn't be here answering questions. Today, I'm just happy to be able to talk to my family tonight and get home safely because it could have been a lot more dramatic."

Happy and in one piece, the native of Bois-Guillaume (Seine-Maritime) then expressed his incomprehension as to the way in which the situation was handled by the FIA. He even said he was ready to take a possible penalty, not seeming to regret his comments on the radio.

« Apparently I'm the one at faultHe says. I went to see them (the commissioners) and explained the situation to them. I respected everything that needed to be respected. They put out the red flag 50 meters before I got to the tractor.

At that time, if I jump on the brakes there is a greater chance that I will die today. It's unfortunate to see things this way but the most important thing is that I'm here in one piece. If I have to take a penalty... because apparently I spoke on the radio and said things that weren't necessary but hey at these speeds...

From my point of view there are much more important things and I have already lost a friend. I think all my loved ones will be happy to see that I am still here today and that something very serious was avoided. »

ALSO READ > “I could have killed myself!” » – The black anger of Pierre Gasly because of a tractor on the track