Pierre Gasly celebrates a stunning P4 start at the Bahrain Grand Prix after delivering a “very special lap” in qualifying. The Alpine driver looks to secure the team’s first points of the 2025 F1 season.
Gasly couldn’t hide his excitement after a standout performance in Bahrain qualifying. The performance means he will start P4 on the grid. This session marked a huge turnaround for the Alpine driver and team after both endured a difficult start to 2025.
“I’m so happy, honestly – it was a very special lap in Q2, in Q3, when you get this excitement coming out of the last corner after your lap.”
The Alpine Driver delivered a blistering lap in Q3, putting him ahead of championship contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Initially qualifying P5, Gasly was promoted to fourth following grid penalties for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
“I just knew it was good, but didn’t expect to be that good relative to the others. I’m just very happy for the whole team because it hasn’t been easy, these first few races, and even this weekend honestly it has been quite tricky.”
Alpine’s remarkable turn around
Alpine has had yet another slow start to the season. Last year they came to Bahrain with an overweight car, and in turn, sat at the back of the grid for quite some time. This year the challenges continue, with tricky qualifying and race sessions resulting in zero points for the French outfit. Regardless of the great performance, Gasly claimed he still had struggles in the car.
“Even in Q1 I didn’t feel fully comfortable in the car, but step by step [and with] little things, we managed to really pull that out. [I’m] very pleased and excited for tomorrow.”
This performance from the French driver proved the fast-paced environment of Formula 1. In which teams are constantly trying to make upgrades to their cars.
“Very close to pole, and even to P3 I think I was four-hundredths. When I saw that on the screen, I was a bit mad because you’re thinking it’s so tight, but I’m just pleased because it really shows there is potential in the car which I believe and I can feel.
“I think the window is extremely narrow, but we do need those first points for the team so I’m looking forward to the fight tomorrow.”
However, regardless of his impressive qualifying result, Gasly revealed that the weekend hadn’t been smooth sailing. Early struggles in free practice and Q1 meant expectations were quite low. However, setup changes and growing confidence through the sessions paid off just in time.
“Even in Q1 I didn’t feel fully comfortable in the car, but little things we changed managed to really pull that out. [I’m] very pleased and excited for tomorrow.”
Alpine remain in a prize seat to claim their first points of the 2025 season. Gasly’s Bahrain breakthrough could be exactly what Alpine needs to ignite its campaign this season.
“We do need those first points for the team so I’m looking forward to the fight tomorrow.”
