Pierre Gasly talks about the legacy of his friend Anthoine Hubert at Alpine

At 27 years, Pierre Gasly is a man who has already experienced the extreme emotions of a pilot Formula 1. The taste of victory at Monza (Italy) in 2020, but also the sadness of losing a friend in the middle of competition, with the death of Anthoine Hubert at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) in 2019.

The Norman told how this disappearance of a loved one had had a profound impact on him, so much so that he no longer sees life in the same way. “What happened at Spa, I think it changed the way I approach life in general”, declares Pierre Gasly at Beyond the Grid podcast of F1.

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Miss you Tonio.💜
Thanks to everyone who joined today, had a thought or prayers for Tonio & Dilano. Proud of our sport in moments like today. RIP young champ. pic.twitter.com/g9FXsjmpQ9

- PIERRE GASLY @ (@PierreGASLY) July 27, 2023

The pilot Alpine since 2023 has become better aware of the value of relationships with loved ones, family and friends. His speech is almost philosophical, and addresses a theme rarely discussed by still young Formula 1 drivers.

“My relationship with the people who are important to me is no longer the same, just as I appreciate every second that we can spend with these close people. Obviously, you can't change life. It's fate. And I'm a very fatalistic person. I believe we all have our story and there is very little we can do to change our destiny. I think that's something I learned from what happened with Jules Bianchi (died after several months of coma linked to an accident at Suzuka in October 2014. Editor's note). »

After a phase of mourning, Pierre Gasly explains that the tragic accident of his friend Anthoine Hubert was transformed into motivation in his racing career. “I've accepted Anthoine's life story and transformed that kind of pain and sorrow into something more positive, and I'm trying to use the impact he had on my life in a very positive way.

This is why I am extremely happy and proud of what we are starting with Alpine, because I know his goal was to be a Formula 1 driver for Alpine and try to win with Alpine. I am 100% sure he is with us and protecting us. He's going to make sure great things happen for us. »

Before the last two Grands Prix of the 2023 season, Pierre Gasly is in 11th place in the Drivers' championship, notably with a podium finish in Zandvoort (Netherlands, 3rd).