Less than 24 hours before the start of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly delivered one of the biggest surprises of the season, securing pole position for the first time in his career.
The French driver carried momentum throughout qualifying, edging out Mercedes’ George Russell by just 0.060 seconds in Q3 to seize pole—the first in Alpine’s team history.
With nine years of experience behind him, Gasly expressed deep gratitude for the milestone and excitement at the chance to chase his second career victory.
“I felt very good in the car, and was trying to chip a little bit away every single session, and then yeah, at the end, it felt like a very good lap,” Gasly said post‑qualifying.
“I’m so happy. It’s been nine years trying to chase and get the opportunity to get a pole position, and to win my first race at Monza, and get my first pole position at this track, I think there is something special around here,” he added.
Gasly, Alpine Teammate Franco Colapinto in Top 10
The Frenchman’s teammate Franco Colapinto also impressed, qualifying in 8th place with a time of 1:22.622—just ahead of reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Alpine currently sits 6th in the constructors’ standings with 63 points, just behind Racing Bulls’ 66. With Gasly on the front row, Team Enstone has its best chance yet to claim a second team victory, following Esteban Ocon’s maiden win in Hungary back in 2021.
Gasly and Alpine will look to shock the motorsport world at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 6.
