Pierre Gasly has carved out a remarkable career in Formula 1, blending raw talent, resilience, and a flair for the dramatic that has made him a fan favorite. Born on February 7, 1996, in Rouen, France, Gasly’s journey to the pinnacle of motorsport is a story of grit, triumph, and unexpected twists. From his early days tearing up karting tracks to becoming the first French driver in over two decades to win a Grand Prix, Gasly has proven time and again that he’s more than just a driver—he’s a force of nature. Now racing for Alpine, his career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by standout performances, personal challenges, and a relentless drive to succeed. Beyond the cockpit, Gasly’s personality shines through, revealing a man who’s as intriguing off the track as he is behind the wheel.
Here are nine interesting facts about Gasly that showcase the depth of his character and the breadth of his achievements.
1. A karting prodigy turned F1 star
Gasly’s racing roots trace back to the age of 10 when he began competitive karting in 2006. His talent was evident early on, finishing 15th in the French Minime Championship in his debut year and climbing to fourth the following season. By 2009, he’d gone international, and in 2010, he secured runner-up in the CIK-FIA European Championship.
2. The 2020 Italian Grand Prix miracle
Perhaps the defining moment of Gasly’s career came on September 6, 2020, when he clinched his maiden F1 victory at the Italian Grand Prix with AlphaTauri. Starting 10th, Gasly capitalized on a chaotic race—featuring a safety car, a red flag, and a penalty for Lewis Hamilton—to take the lead. He held off Carlos Sainz Jr. in a nail-biting finish, becoming the first French driver to win a Grand Prix since Olivier Panis in 1996.
3. A Red Bull rollercoaster
Gasly’s stint with Red Bull Racing in 2019 was a baptism by fire. Promoted to the senior team to replace Daniel Ricciardo, he partnered Max Verstappen but struggled to match the Dutchman’s pace. After just 12 races, Red Bull swapped him with Alex Albon, sending Gasly back to Toro Rosso mid-season. Far from being defeated, Gasly bounced back spectacularly, scoring his first podium (P2) at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.
4. A championship-winning pedigree
Before F1, Gasly dominated junior formulae. In 2013, he won the Formula Renault Eurocup with Tech 1 Racing, edging out Oliver Rowland in a tense title fight. Three years later, in 2016, he claimed the GP2 Series (now Formula 2) crown with Prema Racing, beating Antonio Giovinazzi in a dramatic season finale.
5. A brief Formula E stint
Gasly’s versatility extends beyond traditional open-wheel racing. In 2017, he stepped into Formula E for Renault e.dams at the New York ePrix, replacing Sébastien Buemi. Starting 19th in the first race, he finished seventh, and in the second, he narrowly missed the podium, brushing the wall on the final corner to take fourth.
6. Number 10’s personal touch
Gasly races under the number 10, a choice steeped in personal significance. It harks back to his 2013 Formula Renault Eurocup-winning season, where he first used the number. It’s also a tribute to his childhood idol, French football legend Zinedine Zidane, who wore 10 for the national team.
7. A football fanatic
Off the track, Gasly’s passion for football rivals his love for racing. A die-hard Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) supporter, he’s often spotted cheering for his team. Growing up, he played football competitively before switching to karting, and his athletic background has undoubtedly contributed to his physical conditioning as an F1 driver.
8. The chatty Frenchman
Known for his warm, approachable demeanor, Gasly is one of the paddock’s chattiest drivers. Alongside Daniel Ricciardo, he’s renowned for spending the most time in the media pen, engaging with journalists and fans alike.
9. A podium regular with Alpine
Since joining Alpine in 2023, Gasly has continued to impress. His first season with the French team yielded 62 points, including a brilliant P3 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix—his fourth career podium. Outscoring teammate Esteban Ocon (62 to 58), Gasly proved his worth in an all-French lineup.