Reliving the Unforgettable: Gasly's Monza Milestone

A Career-Defining Day: The 2020 Italian Grand Prix

September 6, 2020, marked a pivotal day in Pierre Gasly’s Formula 1 journey. Against all odds, he clinched his inaugural F1 victory at the Italian Grand Prix while driving for AlphaTauri, a team not typically known for winning races.

Against the Odds: AlphaTauri's Underdog Story

Then known as AlphaTauri, the team was far from a leading contender in the 2020 season. Gasly, however, consistently outshone his teammate Daniil Kvyat, accumulating a significant portion of the team's points during the initial seven races of the pandemic-affected championship. Despite a qualifying session that saw him finish 10th after being strong in earlier stages, circumstances in the race would soon align in his favor.

Strategic Fortunes and Race Incidents: The Turning Points

During the race, Gasly maintained his 10th position until a perfectly timed pit stop. This stop occurred just before a safety car was deployed to clear Kevin Magnussen’s stalled Haas, an event that inadvertently played into Gasly's hands. Due to the pitlane closure, most drivers were unable to make their stops, propelling Gasly to third place, behind only Lewis Hamilton, who later incurred a 10-second stop-go penalty for entering the closed pitlane, and Lance Stroll.

Clinching Victory: Overcoming Pressure to Triumph

Following a red flag caused by Charles Leclerc's crash, the race restarted. A hesitant getaway from Lance Stroll allowed Gasly to seize a commanding lead. He then masterfully defended against the intense pressure from Carlos Sainz, crossing the finish line with a mere 0.415-second advantage over the McLaren driver, securing a momentous victory.

Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri AT01, Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren MCL35

Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images

A Historic Win for French Motorsport: Breaking a Long Drought

This victory marked the 80th Formula 1 win by a French driver, and notably, the first since Olivier Panis's triumph at the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, ending a long drought for French talent in the sport.

Enduring Memories: Gasly's Sentimental Connection to Monza

Gasly's emotional reaction on the podium reflected the significance of his achievement. Five years later, reflecting from the Monza paddock, he shared that the emotions and memories from that day are indelible. He considers it a pivotal moment, not just in his racing career but in his personal life, serving as a daily source of motivation. Monza, he affirms, will forever hold a special place in his heart, even as he yearns for more victories.

Consistent Performance and Future Prospects: Gasly's Journey Forward

Throughout his career, Gasly has accumulated five podium finishes, consistently outperforming many of his teammates across various midfield teams like Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri and Alpine. Only Esteban Ocon has regularly matched his performance. Despite Alpine's current position at the bottom of the constructors' championship, Gasly recently extended his contract until 2028, signaling his commitment and hope for future improvements.

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images

The Path Ahead: Ambitions and Dedication

Gasly acknowledges his satisfaction with seizing podium opportunities but emphasizes his desire for a car capable of consistent top-level performance in Formula 1. He anticipates changes for the upcoming year and remains dedicated to his team, looking forward to a promising future despite the current challenges.