French GP: Pierre Gasly Slams F1 Fraternity for Treating Drivers Like ‘Lions in a Cage’

Pierre Gasly, who recently secured his third podium at Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opened up on his mental health. Furthermore, the Alpha Tauri driver revealed how the death of his friend affected him and how he felt when he was dropped by Red Bull mid-season.

Gasly made his Formula 1 debut with Red Bull’s sister team Toro Rosso in 2017. The Frenchman joined Red Bull in 2019, partnering Max Verstappen.

Pierre Gasly struggled with the RB15 and could only out-qualified Verstappen on one occasion. During mid-season, Red Bull demoted Gasly back to Toro Rosso after a swap deal with Anglo-Thai driver Alexander Albon.

Pierre Gasly lost his close friend Anthoine Hubert, whom he had known since he was seven, soon after his demotion to Toro Rosso. Anthoine Hubert died after a high-speed incident involving Hubert and Juan Manuel Correa at the Belgium Grand Prix.

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What did Pierre Gasly say?

“I am someone that is never going to give up on my target, winning the world championship, but sometimes it is important to understand we are not lions in a cage for people going to the zoo. There is us as athletes and the person behind it,” said the Gasly ahead of the French Grand Prix.

“People struggle to understand that we also feel emotions, we also have our ups and downs. It doesn’t matter if you are successful or not, we saw it with Naomi [Osaka] in the tennis with the mental health issues.”

“People outside see you as a driver and assume that is the only thing that goes through your head but you have a personal life, feelings, and emotions,” added Pierre Gasly.

Franz Tost praises Gasly

Alpha Tauri Team Principal was full of praise for Pierre Gasly, hailing him as one of the best drivers. “He belongs with the absolutely top drivers, because he gets everything out of the car, doesn’t make mistakes and brings home points,” said Tost.

Franz Tost wants to keep Pierre Gasly on his team for years. However, the Frenchman will look for other options to fulfill his dream of becoming the World Champion.

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Gasly will be full of confidence in his next race at his home weekend. Can the Frenchman secure his fourth podium at the French Grand Prix? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.