Pierre Gasly described the 2013 System Renault 2.0 season as probably the most stress he has ever felt in his life.
Describing it as a ‘make-or-break’ season regardless of it being profitable for him, Gasly confronted competitors from rival Oliver Rowland within the championship battle – the winner of which might stroll away with half 1,000,000 euros, and the runner-up with nothing.
“So this was 2013, make-or-break season in System Renault 2.0 and to make it not demanding in any respect, it was half 1,000,000 for the championship winner and 0 for the second,” the Frenchman informed F1 throughout an look on Off The Grid. “I feel that is probably the most stress I’ve ever felt in my life all through my entire profession.
“It got here right down to the final race racing with Oliver Rowland, who I fee extraordinarily extremely. He needed to win the race and completely despatched it. Hit the again of my automobile, spun me round and got here again to sixth and gained the championship.
“I met Helmut [Marko] a month later for him to inform me I did not win sufficient races, I did not do sufficient pole positions, I did not do sufficient quickest laps, and I assumed, what am I doing right here then as a result of I am simply getting hammered.
“All of that to complete with a contract within the Pink Bull Junior staff. So, it was a turning level in my profession. Yeah, a large alternative again then.”
The next 12 months, he signed with the Pink Bull Junior Workforce as he moved to the System Renault 3.5 Sequence. Racing alongside fellow Pink Bull improvement driver Carlos Sainz, Gasly completed runner-up behind the Spaniard.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures through Getty Pictures
12 years later, and Gasly is getting ready for the 2026 System 1 season, his fourth with Alpine. 2026 may also mark the beginning of Alpine’s energy unit partnership with Mercedes.
“Initially, I feel it’s essential for me to thank all of the individuals who labored [at Renault’s factory] in Viry-Chatillon, and who labored on the engine aspect,” Gasly informed F1.com. “There was a number of noise, and it doesn’t actually really feel absolutely deserved for all of the hardworking individuals who tried to ship as a lot as they might.
“Now we open a brand new chapter with Mercedes, and clearly, taking a look at their CV, what number of occasions they’ve been world champions, I’m certain it’s going to be an amazing journey. I’m not going to lie, I’m very enthusiastic about it. From what I’m listening to, the engine is in an amazing place, so I’m trying ahead to that first check and feeling what it’s wish to have Merc horsepower on my again.
“I’ve very excessive expectations for us as a staff subsequent 12 months. We made tactical sacrifices in 2025 to reward all of us by beginning on the suitable foot from 2026 onwards. That’s what I count on from us, and that’s what I imagine we will obtain, from the individuals we’ve got and the work we’re doing.
“Subsequent 12 months, I need to be combating on the entrance of the grid. Because it stands, I don’t see any cause why we shouldn’t be capable to be proper up there.”
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