Gasly, AlphaTauri, Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Gasly "elbows out" approach defies engine drama for "insane" Baku podium

Gasly completed a podium clean-sweep with third in Azerbaijan

Ewan Gale

Sunday 6 June 2021 19:45

Pierre Gasly was ecstatic after shrugging off an engine gremlin to stand on the podium at the end of an "insane" Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The AlphaTauri driver finished third to secure his third career F1 podium, having finished second at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix and taken victory at last season's event at Monza.

Frenchman Gasly qualified a superb fourth and was holding firm in the top five before reporting what he feared was a loss of power mid-race.

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However, the issue was manageable and after a late red flag period forced a two-lap sprint to the finish, Gasly held off the advances of Charles Leclerc to take an "incredible" podium.

"Honestly, I don't really know what to say. It was such an insane race and a super intense last two laps," said Gasly.

"The car has been incredible all weekend and every session we were there. After qualifying, I didn't know if I could keep that position or go on the podium but in the end, we did it.

"I finished once first and once second so the third feels incredible to get that podium."

On his engine issues that threatened to curtail his afternoon, Gasly added: "We had to get the elbows out. It was a very difficult race from midrace onwards with an engine issue.

"I was losing quite a lot of power down the straight. Seb [Vettel] managed to pass us in the middle of the race and I knew that the last two laps would be very difficult with Charles [Leclerc] behind.

"I tried it, every braking, I wasn't sure if I was going to stop the car but I really wanted that podium. It just feels incredible after such a great weekend."

Tsunoda backs up strong AlphaTauri pace

AlphaTauri experienced its best weekend of the season as Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda picked up a further six points for finishing seventh.

Gasly believes the double points finish, which means the team jumps ahead of Aston Martin to fifth in the constructors' standings, is a cause for celebration.

"[We scored] some really good points," he stated. "I am really happy, Yuki did a good race as well so all in all I am really happy and we can celebrate together tonight."