Gasly stunned after shock win in crazy race
I accept it and move forwards. I hold myself accountable.”
Hamilton’s mistake was the catalyst for the best race of the year, providing a shot in the arm for the sport after a series of predictable affairs.
Gasly started 10th but was third at the re-start after he fortuitously pitted for tyres a lap before the Safety Car was released. He then made mincemeat of Stroll when the race resumed on lap 28. Hamilton stopped for his penalty, Gasly assumed the lead and held his nerve. Sainz chased him all the way to the line but the Alpha Tauri driver triumphed by just 0.4 seconds.
Gasly, who became the first French driver to win a grand prix since the similarly unlikely triumph for Olivier Panis in a Ligier at Monaco 24 years ago, was reduced to tears when he crossed the line.
“Oh my God,” he screeched over the radio. “What did we do? We won the f ****** race! Oh my God. Oh my God.”
The victory is the silver lining on what has been a turbulent year-and-a-half for Gasly, sent back to Alpha Tauri after a series of poor performances for senior team Red Bull. His childhood friend Anthoine Hubert was also killed in a Formula Two at Spa-Francorchamps in August last year.
“Honestly, it is unbelievable,” Gasly said. “I cannot believe what is happening right now. It was such a crazy race. I have been through so much in the space of 18 months. I struggle to realise what has happened. I have got no words.”
Despite Hamilton’s troubles, his 47-point championship lead remains intact after he passed eight cars and secured a bonus point for the fastest lap following his penalty.
Max Verstappen retired with a broken Red Bull, while Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas finished only fifth following a poor start.
Off the track, Racing Point have dropped an appeal against their £361,000 fine and 15 docked points for copying Mercedes’ 2019 brake ducts.
Last month, Renault, who first protested about the Racing Point car at the season-opening race in Austria, withdrew their appeal against the FIA’s punishment. Both McLaren and Williams also decided against a formal challenge. Ferrari are the only team continuing with action.
The matter will end up at the FIA’s International Court of Appeal if the Italian team, who are keen to seek further clarity over the FIA’s verdict and a stricter penalty, press ahead.
Meanwhile, Renault will be re-branded as Alpine for next year’s Formula One campaign.