Alonso message 'just a joke' - Gasly

Pierre Gasly revealed he felt the wrath of "crazy" Fernando Alonso fans after delivering a cheeky celebratory message with a nod to the McLaren star after finishing fourth at the Bahrain Grand Prix for Toro Rosso. The result bettered anything McLaren had managed with Honda.

Gasly said "now we can fight" after crossing the line in Sakhir, a similar message to one that Alonso delivered to his team after finishing fifth in the season-opener in Australia.

Alonso's message was seen as referencing McLaren's switch to Renault power units after three years of struggle in partnership with Honda.

Gasly was quick to point out his admiration for the two-time world champion ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, saying his comments were not meant to disrespect Alonso but to give Honda some deserved recognition.

"It was simple, it was just a little joke, that's it," he said. "I think we need to give credit back to Honda.

Family pic pic.twitter.com/EpYJcAxs5R — Pierre Gasly ???????? (@PierreGASLY) April 11, 2018

"In the end, they have had a tough three years with McLaren and to finish P4 in the second race with them was just amazing, so it was a way to give them credit, because they are working really hard and I think they need credit for the hard work they are doing.

"But don't get me wrong, I must say I had pretty tough messages after that, after the race, by some Spanish people who are actually quite crazy.

"I have huge respect for Fernando so I'm just making it clear.

"Don't get me wrong. Fernando for sure is one of the best drivers of all time in Formula 1, and one of the drivers I looked up to when I was young, one of my idols actually.

"No, I have huge respect for him, so it was nothing related, just a high comment for Honda because I think they deserved the credit."