Alpine’s Pierre Gasly endured a challenging 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, finishing outside the points at Suzuka. Despite extracting the maximum from his package, the French driver was unable to break into the top ten in a race dominated by Max Verstappen, who claimed his fourth consecutive victory at the circuit.
In a race where all 20 starters reached the chequered flag, Gasly found himself battling in the midfield, unable to make significant progress through the field during what many drivers described as a processional event.
Gasly ‘hoped’ for a better performance during the F1 Japanese GP
Speaking after the F1 Japanese GP, Gasly provided a candid assessment of Alpine’s performance. “To be honest, I had hoped for a bit better than what we did. I think it was a bit tricky,” he explained. “The car actually felt alright, well-balanced. I think we actually got everything out of the package we have at the moment.”
The Frenchman identified specific limitations that hampered his race, saying, “We were just a bit too slow, not talking much compared to our main competitors, but just lacking a bit of pace in some areas around the track. They’re quite obvious which areas we’re losing.”
Gasly also mentioned a pit stop issue, though downplayed its overall impact.
“Pit stop lost a few seconds there, so we’ll review exactly what happened. But it would have not changed the whole race. Ultimately, we’re just lacking a bit of pace to get in these last two or three spots in the top 10 behind the top teams.”
Challenges with the power unit
When questioned about Alpine’s straight-line speed deficit, Gasly acknowledged the compromises in their current package. “I think it’s just like you get more vulnerable. In a way, you’re not really in a strong position to attack,” he said.
“I was a few laps behind Fernando, but I’m never close enough to actually try something into the last chicane or into Turn 1. And then at the same time, you’re quite vulnerable as soon as you get someone quite close behind.”
The Alpine driver highlighted strengths in other areas, explaining, “We know the compromises of the package we have. I think on the other side, the first sector, high-speed corner, we’re very competitive, faster than all the cars around us.”
“Inside the car, the medium felt like we struggled a bit more in that compound. The hard balance was great and that was all we had in the car.”
Overtaking in Suzuka
Regarding the lack of overtaking during the race, Gasly agreed with Nico Hülkenberg’s assessment. “It just seemed very tricky to just get very close. As soon as you get within six, seven tenths, to really close down that last gap is extremely difficult,” he stated.
“And then you’re not doing much management, so basically when all the cars are very similar in terms of performance, it’s very difficult to actually make that pass.”
“Looking back at yesterday on the GPS, we were actually pretty strong throughout the whole lap. And then in the race, it was quite similar, so I think we just need to see where one, two tenths can make a big difference. Suddenly, you jump two or three places, start slightly further up the road, and I think that’s what we need to aim at for the coming weekends.”
An assessment of Tsunoda’s F1 Japanese GP debut with Red Bull
When asked about former teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s performance during the F1 Japanese GP, Gasly offered supportive comments, “It was always going to be tricky, coming here on a tough track.”
“It started so well in P1, and it seemed a bit more tricky after that. Talking with him, they wanted to put a bit more downforce, which probably wasn’t really the way to go, but I’m sure he’s had a lot of learnings.”
“At the end of the day, he just needs mileage in that car, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of opportunities for him to show what he can do.”
Gasly touched on Alpine’s potential for the future
Gasly remained positive about Alpine’s prospects despite their challenging start to the season “Obviously, it’s normal and people will look at the championship situation and might make some early conclusions.,” he said.
“It doesn’t feel like that because it really feels that for these last few points, we have many cars, and we’re part of the car that’s going to be battling all season for those points.”
“We’re not maybe the favourites at the minute, looking at Alpha Tauri [Racing Bulls], Williams as well. We’re extremely fast, but I’m confident we’ll get them at some point. It’s just been a bit unfortunate the first two races. We need to get a bit more performance for sure, but I’m confident it will come. We just need to focus on ourselves, and I’m confident we’ll get these points.”
The French driver expressed optimism about the upcoming race in Bahrain.
“Bahrain, the testing was good. Obviously, it’s going to be 20 degrees hotter this time, so it’s going to change a few things. But let’s say it’s probably on paper a track that suits maybe the car a bit more.”
