Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
The grid heads to Spa for what will be an emotional weekend for Pierre Gasly and Alpine
A strong run of form at Alpine came to an end over the last two race weekends, and now the team is hoping to turn that around at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, the final race before the Formula 1 summer shutdown.
Between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, the team headed to the British Grand Prix having scored in four-straight race weekends. But the past two race weekends have not been so kind to the French-based team, as they were shut out at both Silverstone and the Hungaroring.
In the team’s preview of the Belgian Grand Prix both Ocon and Gasly outlined how they are looking for a much better run of things at Spa.
“The weekend in Hungary was a tough one for the whole team,” began Ocon. “We missed the mark by not going out for a final run in Qualifying, which put us on the back foot, and then the race was difficult with [tire] management and not optimizing the strategy.
“It is frustrating as a team to know that we could have done better but it is always easiest to see where we went wrong in hindsight,” continued Ocon. “We have a lot to analyze and debrief on from the weekend, but we are working together to pinpoint and iron out any issues as we head to Belgium with the hope to finish on a high before the summer break.
“After racing in Formula 1 for a number of years, it is still an incredible feeling to be racing at Circuit Spa-Francorchamps where I made my Formula 1 debut back in 2016,” added Ocon. “It is a classic track and the longest on the calendar, which makes it a unique test for us drivers with its long straights and variety of corners.
“The weather always comes into play in Belgium especially considering the size of the track and how conditions can vary from one section of the circuit to another. This means that strategy will be key for the race, and we need to work as one to make the right calls and have a successful weekend.”
On the other side of the garage Gasly noted that the Hungarian Grand Prix was a “frustrating” weekend for him, as he was forced to retire early from the race. After being unable to make the start in Silverstone, that marks two “challenging” weekends for the Alpine driver.
“Budapest proved to be a very frustrating weekend all round. As a team, there are definite lessons that we must take on board and understand moving forward, particularly the recurring issues which need to be resolved. For me, it’s made even more disappointing because the first half of the race was going to plan, and we were on target for a good result. Of course, you never know how the race will pan out, but it was looking positive, especially after the Pit Lane start,” said Gasly. “I know everyone is committed to improving following two challenging events in a row. I trust my Team, and know that everyone is pushing to avoid the same mistakes to happen again in the future.”
Gasly noted that the team delivered a solid result at Spa a year ago, which offers hope for another strong weekend.
“We are aiming for a much better weekend in Spa to see us into the summer shutdown. We went well last year, finishing third in the Sprint, which was an amazing result. It’s a standard weekend format this time around and after the tough previous events, we are incredibly determined to perform the best we can,” added Gasly. “I love racing this track, it’s one of my favourites, but the feelings I have here are always going to be contrasting. The first half of 2024 has been difficult for everyone, at the factory and at the track, but we’re in a much better place than we were in Bahrain, and we can improve more.”
This will also be an emotional weekend for Gasly, as it is nearly five years since the tragic passing of his friend Anthoine Hubert. During the Formula 2 feature race at Spa in August of 2019 Hubert was involved in a serious accident on the second lap, and passed away as a result of his injuries.
Gasly is organizing another run in his friend’s honor at Spa this weekend.
“Once again, I have organised a run to remember my friend Anthoine Hubert, almost five years after his tragic loss, on Thursday evening. All F1, F2 and F3 Paddock personnel are welcome to run or walk the Spa circuit in his memory,” said Gasly. “We will make a stop at Eau Rouge to honour Anthoine before moving on to the Kemmel Straight to pay tribute to Dilano van ‘t Hoff with our friends at MP Motorsport.”
Van ‘t Hoff lost his life after an accident at Spa in 2021, when he was competing in a Formula Regional European Championship race.
