Pierre Gasly Discusses Collision with Yuki Tsunoda at Monaco Grand Prix
In the thrilling world of Formula 1, the Monaco Grand Prix is notorious for its tight corners and challenging layout, making it a high-stakes race for drivers. Pierre Gasly, a competitor for the Alpine team, recently found himself embroiled in controversy after a collision with his former teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, during the event. Gasly has openly attributed the incident to Tsunoda’s driving, claiming the Japanese racer moved unexpectedly while braking, leading to a dramatic crash that forced him out of the race.
During the race, Gasly and Tsunoda were positioned in 17th and 18th places, respectively, after both drivers made their initial pit stops as early as the very first lap. The incident occurred as Gasly approached Tsunoda at the chicane. What ensued was a crash that caught the attention of viewers, with the broadcast capturing Gasly’s urgent radio communication, where he stated “no brakes.” However, Gasly later explained that this remark had been misinterpreted.
“I had the brakes,” Gasly clarified, emphasizing that Tsunoda had made a driving error before they reached the tunnel. “I was right on his tail because he was braking on the racing line every lap. This time, I decided to stay left since I was close to him. He started braking on the left, and I was already committed to the right, which led to the collision. I was braking later than him, and there was simply no room to maneuver.”
Gasly expressed his frustration, noting the importance of maintaining one’s line on such a narrow track. “In Monaco, you have to stick to your line. There’s no space for two cars. While you can defend your position, it shouldn’t turn into a situation where one driver shuts the door and then squeezes the other into the wall. I expected him to leave enough space for both of us,” Gasly said. He added, “I’m sure we’ll discuss this later, but I don’t think it was his best moment.”
In response to Gasly’s comments, Tsunoda appeared surprised when he learned that his driving was being labeled as “erratic.” “What? I don’t think I did anything wrong,” he proclaimed. “If I had to do it again, I would handle it the same way. I was keeping close to the wall the entire time and was aware that he would try to pass. My intention was not to move while braking.”
Despite this incident, the Monaco weekend was challenging for Alpine as a whole. The team experienced one of its worst qualifying sessions of the season, with Gasly starting from 18th place and his teammate, Franco Colapinto, ending up last. Colapinto did manage to finish the race in 13th position, but the overall performance was not what the team had hoped for.
Gasly acknowledged that the characteristics of the Monte Carlo circuit were not well-suited to the Alpine A525 car. “It’s crucial for us to analyze what went wrong in qualifying. We have some ideas, but we know that this track tends to expose our car’s weaknesses in terms of ride quality,” he mentioned. “The ride is not our car’s strong suit. On a circuit like Monaco, where you spend a lot of time at low speeds and encounter many curbs, we struggle with compliance.”
Looking ahead, Gasly is optimistic about the upcoming race at the Spanish Grand Prix, which features a starkly different layout compared to Monaco. Last year, Alpine performed admirably in Barcelona, managing to place both cars in Q3 and scoring valuable points. “I believe Barcelona will be a better fit for us. The track has more high-speed corners and a smoother surface, which should play to our strengths,” he said confidently.
The Spanish Grand Prix represents an opportunity for Alpine to bounce back from their disappointing performance in Monaco. The team is eager to capitalize on the lessons learned from the previous race and improve their standing in the championship. Gasly’s insights illustrate the critical nature of adapting to different circuits and understanding the unique challenges each one presents.
As the season progresses, both Gasly and Tsunoda will undoubtedly encounter more challenges and opportunities for growth. The competitive spirit of Formula 1 ensures that rivalries will intensify, and drivers must consistently refine their skills and strategies to stay ahead. With a keen focus on teamwork and communication, Alpine aims to overcome the hurdles they face and emerge stronger as the season unfolds.
In summary, the Monaco Grand Prix served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsport. Gasly’s collision with Tsunoda sparked a conversation about driving tactics and the complexities of racing in tight conditions. Both drivers have their perspectives on the incident, and it will be interesting to see how their relationship evolves moving forward. As they gear up for the Spanish Grand Prix, the focus will shift to performance, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of success in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing.
