The FIA has issued a formal reprimand to Pierre Gasly after a dangerous crash involving Yuki Tsunoda at the Monaco Grand Prix. The collision took place at the Nouvelle chicane, resulting in terminal damage to Gasly’s Alpine and sparking significant concern across the Formula 1 community over driver safety and race conduct.
Details of the Incident and FIA’s Judgment
The crash occurred as Gasly, driving car number 10, collided with Tsunoda’s Red Bull while exiting the tunnel heading towards the braking zone for Turn 10. The impact left Gasly’s car heavily damaged, forcing him to limp back to the pits before retiring from the race. The stewards thoroughly investigated the matter and concluded that Gasly bore the primary responsibility for the collision despite his assertion that Tsunoda had provided insufficient space and moved under braking.
The FIA’s official statement described the incident clearly:
“The driver of Car 10 (Pierre Gasly) collided with Car 22 (Yuki Tsunoda) at the exit of the tunnel approaching the braking zone for Turn 10. Car 10 suffered serious damage as a result and had to travel slowly back to the pits and retire.”
Expert Criticism and Implications for Gasly
Prominent Formula 1 analyst Martin Brundle openly criticized Gasly’s conduct, particularly condemning his choice to continue racing with a damaged car. Brundle insisted that Gasly should have immediately withdrawn from the track, labeling his actions as reckless and a clear danger to other drivers. This admonishment highlights the intensity of scrutiny drivers face amid the championship fight and the delicate balance between competitiveness and safety in F1.
Consequences for Gasly and the Championship Battle Ahead
Gasly’s reprimand serves as a crucial warning as the 2025 season intensifies, emphasizing the FIA’s commitment to maintaining strict safety standards and sportsmanlike behavior. The incident adds pressure on Gasly and the Alpine team to demonstrate resilience and improved decision-making moving forward. As the championship battle grows more heated, all stakeholders will be watching closely how this reprimand influences Gasly’s approach in future races and the broader implications for driver conduct under high stakes.
