F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Gasly to start from pitlane following engine change

Pierre Gasly will start Sunday's Italian Grand Prix from the pitlane following AlphaTauri's decision to equip the Frenchman's car with a fresh Honda engine and new-spec energy store.

Gasly qualified P6 on Friday and sought to take advantage of Lewis Hamilton's slow start in Saturday's sprint race to move up the order.

But last year's Italian Grand Prix winner, as he negotiated the first chicane, slightly misjudged his gap to McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo, hitting the back of the Aussie's car and damaging his front wing.

However, the wing failed as Gasly entered Curva Grande and lodged itself under the AlphaTauri which in turn sent the AT02 into the gravel trap and in the barriers.

Gasly was expected to line up at the back of the grid following the mishap, but the Italian outfit has taken advantage of the circumstances to fit the Frenchman's car with a fresh engine.

The change by itself would have yielded an inconsequential grid penalty, but the introduction of a different specification energy store imposes a pitlane start.

Gasly's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, will launch his maiden Italian Grand Prix from fifteenth on the grid.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Aston Martin F1 sells minor stake to billionaire Woody Johnson

Aston Martin F1 has added a high-profile new investor to its rostrum of shareholders, with…

4 hours ago

Dutch GP: Thursday's media in pictures

Formula 1 roars back into action this weekend as the summer break gives way to…

5 hours ago

Gasly praises Verstappen’s manager for achieving ‘nice pay rise’

Pierre Gasly has offered a mischievous glimpse behind the curtain of Max Verstappen’s new Red…

6 hours ago

Russell says Mercedes seat ‘never under threat’ by Verstappen

George Russell has offered a cool-headed response to Max Verstappen’s decision to remain at Red…

6 hours ago

Verstappen says retirement was closer than joining rival F1 team

Max Verstappen has revealed that his Formula 1 future came perilously close to ending altogether,…

8 hours ago

Cadillac F1 quash sale rumours amid TWG investigation

Cadillac has moved swiftly to quash speculation that its fledgling Formula 1 operation could be…

9 hours ago