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Formula One 2017 Rd.15 Malaysian GP: Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) at autograph session photo by Morio –

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Pierre Gasly

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s Formula One, usually known as Formula 1 or F1, is the top division of open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars (FIA).

Since its first season in 1950, the World Drivers’ Championship, which later changed its name to the FIA Formula One World Championship, has been one of the most prestigious racing series in the world. The name’s use of the word “formula” alludes to the set of requirements that all participants’ automobiles must meet.

Grands Prix, a collection of events that make up a Formula One season, are held all over the world on both closed public roads and purpose-built racing tracks.

Since its inception, Formula one has witnessed some of the best drivers take charge of the wheels. The rush of getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car is unmatched for anyone who enjoys speed.

Driving an F1 car is an experience that no driver would want to miss due to the roar of the engines, the car’s play with aerodynamics, and everything surrounding speeding past in mere seconds.

Pierre Gasly is one of such renowned drivers who have taken the initiative to perform in Formula One. Pierre Gasly was born on 7 February 1996, currently competing in Formula One under the French flag, racing for Scuderia AlphaTauri.

He was born in Rouen, France, to father Jean Jacques Gasly and mother Pascale, Gasly is the youngest alongside his four half-brothers, two maternal from his mother’s previous marriage; Nicolas Caron and Cyril Caron, as well as two paternal from his father’s previous marriage; Phillipe Gasly and Paul Gasly.

Pierre has raced in the premier Formula One tier as a test and competitive driver for several teams. Here are the top 10 outstanding facts about him.

1. He hails from humble beginnings

Awaiting orders at A Day in the Life of a Refugee (Pierre Gasly) photo by Crossroads Foundation Photos-

One of the most underappreciated Formula 1 driver on the circuit today is Pierre Gasly. Gasly made his way into Formula 1 on his own, making him one of the few drivers on the grid who did not come from a wealthy background.

Just talent and diligence, no billionaire father or millionaire sponsors. Gasly did not originate from a very rich household, even though his father had a background in motorsport.

His ascent to Formula 1 is all the more remarkable because many of his competitors were able to enter the sport through acquisition and leverage.

2. Gasly’s family has long been involved in motorsports

The Gasly family has a lengthy history in the profession. His father Jean Jacques has raced in a variety of racing sports, including rallying, endurance racing, and karting. His grandpa was a karting competitor.

Due to his co-drivers error in reading the pace note, his father ceased competing in rallies when he “fell off a mountain.” At the age of six, Gasly first experienced karting at a local karting track in Anneville-Ambourville.

3. Gasly first experienced karting at the age of six

Photo by David Armstrong on

At a nearby karting circuit in Anneville-Ambourville, Gasly had his first karting experience at the age of six. At the age of ten, when he finished fifteenth in the French Minime Championship, Gasly made his competitive-karting debut.

The following year, he finished fourth. Before transitioning to the international stage in 2009, he advanced to the French Cadet Championship in 2008.

He switched to the KF3 division, where he competed until the end of 2010 when he placed second in the CIK-FIA European Championship.

4. He left Home at the age of 13

After committing to competitive racing, he was 13 when he left Rouen for Le Mans. He was the youngest of his brothers and had a strong early interest in motorsports.

While some of his other brothers had a fondness for the sport, Pierre was the only one who had the drive to pursue it professionally. His commitment to motorsport was clear from the moment he began karting.

In addition, Gasly grew up around race car drivers Anthoine Hubert, Charles Leclerc, and Esteban Ocon. His skill was apparent right away, as he decided to leave home at the age of 13 to pursue a career in karting.

5. He won the 2016 GP2 series

Photograph of the main race podium of the Silverstone round in the GP2 Series in 2016. From left to right: Antonio Giovinazzi (second in the race); Pierre Gasly (winner); Oliver Rowland (third). photo by Jen_ross83 –

Gasly made his GP2 Series debut in 2014 at the Monza track in support of the Italian Grand Prix, taking the place of Caterham Racing driver Tom Dillmann who was unable to compete in GP2 Series races that weekend due to commitments in other racing series.

Later, he participated in post-season testing while driving for DAMS, and he signed with the French team to compete with British driver Alex Lynn, a Williams F1 Team development driver.

Gasly had a mixed season despite winning three pole positions and four podiums. He also caused collisions in Bahrain, Spa, and Yas Marina (which resulted in the upcoming race being abandoned), which caused him to finish eighth, two places behind teammate Lynn.

Gasly would switch to newcomers Prema Power team alongside 2015 European Formula 3 runner-up and GP2 rookie Antonio Giovinazzi for 2016. He would go on to become the GP2 Series champion that season. The GP2 series was rebranded to Formula 2.

6. He lost an F1 seat to Kvyat

Formula One 2015 Rd.2 Malaysian GP: Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) photo by Morio –

Before making his Formula One debut, Gasly already had a strong resume. He was meant to go up to Formula 1 after winning the 2016 Formula 2 season. However, things did not turn out as expected.

Although he was confident about getting to Formula 1, his seat was abruptly granted to Daniil Kvyat, forcing Gasly to switch to Formula E and Super Formula in 2017.

7. Gasly made a one-off Formula E appearance for Renault e. dams

For the 2017 New York ePrix, Gasly made a one-off Formula E appearance for Renault e. dams in Sébastien Buemi’s place due to the latter’s commitments to the World Endurance Championship.

Gasly overcame his poor qualifying effort of 19th to finish seventh in his opening race of the weekend. In the second race, Gasly was in contention for third until he collided with the wall as he turned the penultimate circuit, finishing fourth but with significant damage.

8. Pierre Gasly was handed his F1 debut with Toro Rosso

Formula One 2017 Rd.15 Malaysian GP: Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) photo by Morio –

At the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, Gasly made his Formula One racing debut for Toro Rosso, taking Daniil Kvyat’s place. He finished outside the points in the Malaysian and Japanese Grands Prix.

Gasly was supposed to replace Carlos Sainz Jr. at the US Grand Prix after Sainz left for Renault, but he was unable to do so because of a conflict with the final Super Formula Championship round.

After the team opted to remove Kvyat from the Red Bull program, he rejoined the team for the Mexican Grand Prix and raced alongside Brendon Hartley.

For the 2018 season, Gasly and Hartley were recruited as full-time Toro Rosso drivers.

9. He played a key role in the redesign of AlphaTauri

Test Days F1 2020 photo by Alberto-g-Rovi –

After Gasly’s historic win in Monza, many critics were screaming for him to make an emphatic return to Red Bull. It appeared inevitable given that Alex Albon’s contract was about to expire.

However, Red Bull chose to stick with Sergio Perez for 2021 and gave the Frenchman a multi-year contract with AlphaTauri. While hearing this may have been discouraging for Gasly, it also gave him the chance to play a key role in the makeover of the Formula One team from Torro Rosso to AlphaTauri.

The goal of the revamp was to distance the new brand from Red Bull and help the team become successful on its own.

10. Pierre is an avid gamer

Pierre is an avid gamer. He bought RS Simulation’s gaming simulator in June 2021, which was regarded as the top gaming setup at the time.