Gasly overjoyed by ‘unbelievable’ qualifying in Las Vegas

Pierre Gasly proved that his sensational podium finish in Brazil was not just a lucky one-off after he qualified in P3 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking advantage of Alpine’s recent upturn in form.

All of the drivers have had to readjust to the street circuit’s slick surface and cooler temperatures – conditions that have added to the unpredictability fans have grown accustomed to this season.

Nevertheless, Gasly had demonstrated signs of strong pace in the three practice sessions in Las Vegas, finishing in the lower half of the top 10 in each one without troubling the traditional frontrunners.

But a blindingly fast lap in the final stage of qualifying saw him break into the top three behind polesitter George Russell and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, giving him a second row start for tomorrow’s 50-lap race.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Polesitter George Russell (C), Second placed Carlos Sainz (L) and Third placed Pierre Gasly (R) pose during qualifying on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) — A strong performance tomorrow could see Gasly claim his sixth career podium

Speaking about the somewhat unexpected result, the Frenchman said: “It’s the first time ever so it’s unbelievable. Honestly we didn’t think we would be able to achieve a top three in the quali.

“It was an incredible lap, especially around this track you’re flirting with the walls everywhere through the lap – a lot of adrenaline, a lot of excitement. I knew crossing the line it was a good lap, but when they came up on the radio telling me we’re lining up third tomorrow… it’s just amazing so really happy.”

The result is Gasly’s best qualifying since he entered F1 back in 2017 and provides further indication that Alpine have harnessed the upgrades they introduced in Austin just over a month ago.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Pierre Gasly driving the (10) Alpine F1 A524 Renault during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) — Alpine jumped from 14 to 49 points after their double podium finish in Brazil

With his team mate Esteban Ocon down in P11, starting from third could be the 28-year-old’s best chance of bolstering Alpine’s chances of securing P6 in the constructors’ championship, which they snatched from Haas after their spectacular result in Sao Paulo.

Just five points separates the two teams and RB, but Gasly’s impressive speed in the challenging track conditions of Las Vegas bodes well for the Enstone outfit.

“We had to wait so long before that Q3, I just wanted to get going,” Gasly said after qualifying was delayed whilst Franco Colapinto’s damaged Williams was recovered. “We had a good first run.

“That last lap was the one that mattered with a new tyre and I really managed to nail it. The car felt great. I must say it’s an incredible period for the team following the double podium in Brazil, so hopefully we can stay up there tomorrow.”