Gasly expected Q1 exit in F1 British GP qualifying before Q3 progression

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly says he would have “never imagined” getting into Q3 as the Enstone team appeared to be on the back foot over the Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend.

Alpine has been lacking upgrades compared to its direct midfield rivals, which has made it even tougher for the squad to get out of last place in the constructors’ table. Aston Martin and Sauber have both improved their cars to score over 10 points each over the last two weekends, with ninth-placed Sauber’s 26 points now well clear of Alpine’s haul of 11.

Alpine’s fortunes aren’t helped by an engine deficit on a power-hungry circuit like Silverstone. That’s why after a grim-looking run of practice sessions, Gasly was as surprised as anyone with making it into the top 10, and he was delighted with the Q2 lap that got him there.

“We thought we’d be knocked out in Q1 because it’s been extremely difficult for some reason,” he said. “We struggled so much throughout the whole weekend and we’re really not comfortable with it. But we tried a lot and tried to stick to our guns, just focus on our package and try to get the best out of it.

“Starting Q1 wasn’t great, we made a few changes with what we could and when it mattered, like that last lap in Q1, we managed to just get to Q2 in P15. That lap in Q2, I was very happy with it. Just every corner absolutely on the edge and came perfectly, and just got through it in P10.”

“To say it in a kind way, the car wasn’t very kind throughout the whole session. It’s tough for everybody, but this is what we have, and we can be pleased because we did a better job than the others.”

It’s a welcome tonic for Gasly, who is moving up to eighth on the grid after penalties for Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. But staying there will be another matter, he warned.

“We know for our cars, Silverstone is not going to be our favourite track of the year, so I know it is going to be tough and on Sunday we [usually] struggle a bit more,” he cautioned. “But from what we expected and where we thought we would start the race, I’m actually starting in the points, so anything is possible.

“I know I’m probably going to spend most of the race looking in my mirrors and having to try to find a creative way to fight the guys around me, but I’m ready for it.”

Gasly’s team-mate Franco Colapinto was dead last in Q1 after spinning off at the final corner and tagging the wall, and the team has decided to let him start from the pitlane instead, taking the opportunity to make car changes in parc ferme and add new power unit elements to his pool of components.

“I just lost the rear in the last corner. I was going on the power and I clipped the wall,” the Argentine said. “It was a pity. I’m still struggling quite a lot, but there was definitely something we could have done.

“Not a good qualifying from my side. We found a lot of things this weekend to make me feel a bit better with the car, closer to Pierre, but of course, we are still far. We need to do a couple of steps for the next couple of races.”