Gasly puts Le Mans ‘dream’ on motorsport bucket list

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Racing at Le Mans isn’t on Pierre Gasly’s agenda for now, but the Alpine F1 charger’s dream is to one day tackle the legendary endurance classic.

The allure of the 24-hour race in the Sarthe and its captivating spectacle isn't lost on Formula 1 drivers, with both Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc expressing their ambition of trying their hand at the grueling event.

On Saturday, ahead of the start of Le Mans’ 92nd running, Gasly was on the grid to encourage his Alpine hypercar colleagues.

Unfortunately, the French team’s hopes of a good showing were dashed in the first part of the race when both Alpine cars succumbed to engine issues. But the setback wasn't enough to dampen Gasly's own long-held ambition for the endurance classic.

Read also: Verstappen ‘contacted’ by teams for onslaught on Le Mans

“I think it’s every kid’s dream. I’ve watched this race since I was that tall [gestures low to the ground]," Gasly told Eurosport.

“I actually lived in Le Mans for five years. I studied here, and I’ve got a close proximity to this city and this track. For sure, it will be a dream to win Le Mans one day.

“For now I’m fully focused on Formula 1. It’s not in the pipeline but seeing these guys today, wearing normal sneakers and jeans doesn’t feel right.

“Hopefully one day I’ll be in a good car to participate in Le Mans.”

Crossing paths with many familiar faces and friends on the grid, Gasly expressed his fascination for the Le Mans experience and his admiration for his colleagues’ ability to focus and perform under such extreme conditions, not to mention the weather that would later wreak havoc on proceedings.

“I find it fascinating,” he added. “I’ve got many friends racing today which makes it even cooler because I'm on the grid and I’m seeing a lot of guys I raced against.

"You know, 4am, one hour’s sleep, it’s going to be absolutely pissing down. It’s going to be very extreme.

“As a racing driver, I really appreciate how hard it is. Hopefully people on TV can realise as well, because it’s tough.

“To focus for an hour and a half, it’s a big challenge, but to focus for a full 24 hours and sharing a car, a lot of respect for these guys.”

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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.