Without words, Gasly “gave everything” for this podium

Performing well since the start of the Azerbaijani weekend, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri), 4th on the grid, appeared as an outsider before the start of the Grand Prix.

Rather discreet, the Normand vegetated around the Top 5 throughout the race. A quiet end to Sunday was then taking shape, securing a few points before heading to France. But now, the events at the end of the Grand Prix have redistributed the cards.

Fifth at the time of the red flag resulting from the accident Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Pierre Gasly grabbed a free position before the second standing start. Well helped then by the poor braking of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), the Norman was once again invited onto a podium in F1 after having defended his third place at all costs.

« It's incredible ! I do not know what to say, he admitted upon arrival. It was a crazy race with two very intense last laps.

The car performed very well throughout the weekend. We were present at every session. The qualifications went very well. I didn't know if I was going to be able to keep this position (4e) or if I was going to be able to fight for the podium. Finally, we made it. I had already finished 1st and 2nd, all I needed was 3rd place. It's a fantastic feeling to get this podium. ».

take a bow, @PierreGASLY

P3! #AzerbaijanGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/79Cvekmru6

- Formula 1 (@ F1) June 6, 2021

If Lewis Hamilton's error on the restart helped him, Pierre Gasly went for this podium like a great. Plagued by technical problems and under threat of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), the Alpha Tauri driver showed solidity to finish among the three best this Sunday.

« We had to elbow each other (with Leclerc). The race was not easy for me. I had a problem with my engine. I lacked power in a straight line. Seb (Hag) managed to overtake me halfway through the race then I knew these last two laps were going to be complicated with Charles right behind me but I gave it my all. When braking, I didn't know if the car was going to stop but I had to if I wanted to get on the podium. It's incredible to be there after such a weekend ».

At a turbulent end to the race, Pierre Gasly once again found himself in the right place at the right time, recalling the good memories of Brazil in 2019.

the GASman strikes again  pic.twitter.com/oWA4zOjTWY

— Scuderia Alpha Tauri (@AlphaTauriF1) June 6, 2021

Find the analysis of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix by our experts in AUTOhebdo No. 2315, available from Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands.