Pierre Gasly’s journey from despair to triumph was striking at Bahrain.
- Alpine’s major improvement thrilled both the team and fans alike.
- Max Verstappen’s last-lap maneuver left Gasly with mixed feelings.
- The weekend set a positive tone for Alpine’s future races.
- Gasly’s reflection highlighted commendable teamwork and resilience.
From hitting ‘rock bottom’ in Bahrain 2024, Alpine saw a remarkable transformation one year later. Pierre Gasly was a testament to this turnaround, as he secured an impressive seventh-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Reflecting on the past year, Gasly expressed his admiration for the team’s hard work and dedication, which paved the way for this success.
During the race, Max Verstappen’s swift move on the last lap turned Gasly’s sixth-place aspirations into a seventh-place reality. Gasly admitted to feeling frustrated, particularly after spending 20 laps defending his position. However, he acknowledged the immense progress made by the team, considering they were previously not even contesting for the top 10 while Verstappen was winning.
Despite the setback, Gasly appreciated the weekend’s achievements. Throughout the race, Alpine’s competitive car and strategic decisions shone through, even as the safety car presented unexpected challenges. Gasly recognized the positives, noting effective pit stops and quali performances despite losing a position to Lewis Hamilton due to the untimely safety car.
Qualifying provided a strong platform for Gasly, with a fourth-place start that converted into Alpine’s first points in the F1 2025 season. The intrusion of the safety car due to debris momentarily derailed Alpine’s plans, but Gasly’s performance remained undeterred, exemplifying their growth from last year’s struggles. Gasly shared that the weekend’s success was an opportunity for contemplation and understanding where improvements were needed.
Gasly’s reflections on the team’s progress underscored their past difficulties and current achievements. A year prior, Alpine’s cars were struggling at the back, with Gasly noting how they were passed by Verstappen mid-race. The stark contrast in 12 months was a testament to the team’s relentless efforts and the vastly improved performance of their car.
Bahrain’s race was a celebration of Alpine’s remarkable journey over the past year, demonstrating the fruits of their hard labor and strategic ingenuity.