Pierre Gasly has launched an impassioned attack on trolls after being subjected to online abuse after the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.
The Frenchman finished 12th at the Madring circuit, his chances of a decent result effectively ended by a poor qualifying session – a contrast to teammate Franco Colapinto.
His Argentinian counterpart reached Q3 and, as a result, was given the platform to go on and finish seventh, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Due to the lack of overtaking opportunities, Gasly opted to go long on Hard tyres in the hope of a Safety Car, but when he eventually was forced to pit for fresh rubber, he inadvertently backed-up Colapinto, who, as a result, fell into the Australian’s clutches.
Whilst it ultimately did not cost him the position, Colapinto took to team radio to colourfully plead for Gasly to let him through.
The aftermath saw Gasly – who finished 12th – handed a stream of unsavoury messages online, and ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, was vocal in his condemnation.
“Personally, I find it a little bit disturbing for our sport,” he said. “I think to the extent, you know, I’m a top athlete, so I know I’m exposed.
“It’s always been the case, but to that extent of, you know, threats, attacks, I find it a little bit… Well, even completely inappropriate, especially when it reaches out to family, members, you know, girlfriend, etc.
“I don’t think that should be the case, so… Yeah. I leave it there, but things were not that way in the past, and I think as a sport, we just need to find a way to make it a healthier place, because you’re exposed, you know you’re going to be attacked, you can be liked, you can be disliked, it’s completely fine.
“But there is a certain life that should not be crossed, just because you’re behind the screen, with a keyboard, and these lines. Are crossed a bit too many times.”
Gasly will be hoping to overcome his underwhelming performance in Spain in Baku, as Alpine continues to fight for points in the midfield battle of the Constructors’ title.
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