At the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly experienced a tense moment in the closing minutes of Free Practice 3 when he nearly collided with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The incident occurred at the Red Bull Ring track as both drivers pushed for qualifying simulation laps, intensifying the competition on the crowded circuit.
Verstappen and Gasly were among the 20 drivers navigating the narrow 2.6-mile track, where lap times hover just over a minute, making it difficult to find clear space. Gasly caught up to Verstappen’s car as he approached the last two corners at speed, only to find Verstappen stationary on the track’s final corner entry. To avoid a crash, Gasly had to react quickly, leading to an angry outburst over the team radio directed at the Red Bull driver.
“I almost shunted with that Red Bull. I don’t know who the f**k it was. F**king annoying these guys”
The Alpine driver’s frustration highlighted the tension between teammates and rivals during this critical practice session before qualifying, emphasizing how crucial clear track position is at the fast-paced Red Bull Ring.
Impact of Team Changes on Verstappen’s Performance
The session also saw an adjustment within Verstappen’s team, as his regular race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase was absent due to unforeseen circumstances. Simon Rennie stepped in as Verstappen’s race engineer at the Austrian GP, bringing experience from previous roles with drivers Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo. Rennie has been working at Red Bull’s factory since 2019, but this marked a significant change right before qualifying.
This substitution introduced a new dynamic to Verstappen’s race weekend, potentially affecting communication during such high-pressure moments, including the incident with Gasly. Lambiase has been a consistent figure throughout Verstappen’s career, making his absence notable during this critical phase of the race weekend.
Oscar Piastri Acknowledges Verstappen’s Threat at the Red Bull Ring
Max Verstappen’s dominance at the Austrian GP has been clear with five previous victories, and he appeared strong through the opening practice sessions this year. After finishing behind McLaren drivers in the second practice session, Oscar Piastri recognized Verstappen’s continuing threat to the competition.
“We looked pretty good. Max is still close, so I think he’ll definitely be a threat this weekend,” said Piastri
Verstappen ended FP3 in third place, maintaining proximity to the two McLaren contenders and illustrating that he remains a serious contender for pole position and race victory. Piastri’s caution suggests that despite stiff competition, Verstappen’s experience and pace at this circuit will shape the battle for the top.
Consequences of the Collision Incident and Upcoming Challenges
The near-collision between Gasly and Verstappen underlines the challenges drivers face managing space and timing during tightly packed qualifying simulations. These moments can have significant repercussions for lap times and race strategies, as finding clean air is essential for optimal performance at the Red Bull Ring.
Gasly’s vocal frustration indicates rising tensions among drivers as they vie for position, while Verstappen’s team adjustment adds another layer of complexity to his race weekend. With qualifying imminent after FP3, how both drivers manage composure and execution will be crucial moving forward in the Austrian GP.
