F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Gasly endures 'uncomfortable seat' in race debut

Pierre Gasly completed his successful F1 debut by reaching the checkered flag at the end of the Malaysia GP but it was painful ride for the Toro Rosso rookie.

The 21-year-old, who is replacing Dany Kvyat at the junior Red Bull team for a yet to be determined number of races, had to compose with an uncomfortable seat in his STR12.

While he was happy with his race debut, Gasly lamented the back pain he endured throughout the afternoon.

"With the seat, I'm not supported enough. It's not ideal but it's more like I didn't feel fully comfortable," he told Motorsport.com.

"It was moving a lot from lap one, especially at high speed all race as well. I'm not inside the seat, I'm moving a lot and it's not ideal for my back.

"It feels like it's quite painful so we have planned already to do a new one for next weekend. I think with the seat we will definitely do a new one in Suzuka."

The French driver believes he performed better than expected but admitted is lack of experience inevitably impacted his result.

"I think that was a positive race it was important to take experience and to finish the race," he said.

"Looking back at it there are many things I would do differently. Some situations with the blue flags and tyre management.

"I think we pitted slightly early. Of course as a racing driver you want to push so I went out of the [pit] box and tried to push to undercut the others but I paid it a bit in the end.

"A few things that will come with experience but I've tried to push as hard as possible without doing mistakes and it was a positive weekend overall."

Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost believed the team's new recruit acquitted himself quite well and is looking forward to seeing him perform in Japan next week.

"Pierre did a fantastic job again today – this was his first weekend with the team and he performed very well," said Tost.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him race again in Suzuka because it's a race track he knows from the Japanese Super Formula championship."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

9 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

11 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

12 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

14 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

15 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

16 hours ago