Formula One

Two grid penalties for Pierre Gasly after F1 Barcelona qualifying

Andrew Rickert

Jun 4, 2023 — 2 min read

Pierre Gasly will start tenth for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix after taking two grid penalties for impeding other drivers in qualifying.

Pierre Gasly drops to tenth on the grid for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix after two grid penalties. *(Vince Mignott / MB Media / Getty Images)*

The Alpine driver was summoned twice to the stewards for impeding both Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen in Q1.

Gasly told the stewards he was aware of Sainz approaching but was unable to take avoiding action because of the high closing speed between the two cars.

The stewards rejected this, stating “that he could have moved further to the right at the exit of turn 13.”

The Alpine F1 team were blamed for the incident with Verstappen, with the stewards deciding the team “failed to give appropriate warning to the driver of Car 10, of the approach of Car 1, having told him that the cars behind were on a slow lap.”

While both drivers had to abort their flying laps, they made it through to Q3 and will both start on the front row for Sunday’s grand prix.

Gasly too made it through to Q3 and qualified fourth before his penalties, taking a three-place grid drop for each incident.

Despite the penalties, the Frenchman was upbeat about his performance.

“I’m very pleased to qualify in fourth place in qualifying today, my best result with Alpine this season,” said Gasly.

“It was very close out there, very fine margins between many cars, and in the end we’re just less than one tenth of a second from being on the front row.”

“We built up our session well, kept finding improvements and then we finished with a very good lap in Q3, which was really enjoyable I must say.”

“It’s a real pity we will not start from the second row tomorrow after the penalty for impeding.”

“I think it was very unfortunate with the traffic, cars so close together and the high-speed final corners. We have to accept it, move on and keep our heads down for tomorrow where I know we can still have a strong race.”

Pierre Gasly on track on Saturday in Barcelona. *(Alpine F1 Team)*

The penalties promote Lewis Hamilton to fourth, with Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Oscar Piastri all moving up one spot on the grid.

Meanwhile, George Russell avoided penalty for his contact with teammate Lewis Hamilton, with Russell and the Mercedes-AMG F1 team receiving a formal warning for the miscommunication which led to the collision.

Max Verstappen will start from pole with the Grand Prix underway at 11.00pm on Sunday (AEST).

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2023 FIA Formula One World Championship - Round 8 Barcelona Starting Grid