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“If You See Me Crying…”: Pierre Gasly’s Triumph Over Unexpected Handicap in Brazil GP Left Closest Ally Awestruck

Published 11/07/2023, 10:37 AM EST

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via Imago

In an extraordinary display of perseverance at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly overcame a physical impediment that would have spelled disaster for lesser-skilled drivers. Despite the significant challenge of competing with impaired vision due to dust in his eye, Gasly not only finished the race but also secured a respectable seventh place, showcasing the kind of grit that separates the good from the truly exceptional.

The incident was disclosed through an exchange between Gasly and his race engineer, which revealed the extent of the Frenchman’s struggle during the race.

Pierre Gasly’s eye-handicap at the 2023 Brazilian GP

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Gasly admitted to essentially driving with one eye, a situation that can’t be overstated in its difficulty, especially at the speeds F1 cars travel. Yet, in a light-hearted moment of fellowship, his race engineer quipped, “Not bad for one eye though. Hopefully, someone will give you some drops.”

via Reuters

Gasly, with characteristic wit, replied, If you see me crying, it’s not because I’m emotional for P7.” His words were more than just a comment on his physical discomfort—they were an ode to the athlete’s spirit and an insight into the locker room banter that keeps teams bonded and resilient.

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Acknowledging the progress they’ve made, Gasly responded with encouragement and a hint of ambition, saying, “Good step guys. Good job. Two more to go. Try to do better next time in Vegas.” The conversation between driver and engineer is not just an exchange of pleasantries or a momentary sigh of relief after a grueling race. It’s a window into mutual respect and the understated acknowledgment of a job well done under trying circumstances.

“F**king Idiot Fernando”: Esteban Ocon Reignites Rivalry With Alonso by Unleashing Fury at Him Over Ugly Brazilian GP Crash

The racing weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix unfurled a tale of unforeseen twists and commendable resilience for the Alpine team. The Alpine crew faced what could only be described as a gauntlet of challenges as they have faced in 2023 that put their mettle to the test. What’s noteworthy is…

Alpine’s unexpected upturn: How the underdog prevailed at the Brazilian GP

It started off rocky, with the Alpine cars showing no more than marginal potential in the (S)Q2 qualifications. Their performance in the sprint race on Saturday followed suit, not particularly standing out from the pack. Even the most ardent of supporters might have hesitated to bet on them; it was clear that the Alpines weren’t the ones making the headlines, except, perhaps, for the wrong reasons. Adding to their woes were the grid penalties slapped on both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, courtesy of infractions against the newly minted pit exit regulations. Such setbacks could easily demoralize a team, setting a tone of gloom ahead of the main event.

via Imago

But as the lights went out and the grand prix unfolded, it seemed fate had decided to toss the script out of the cockpit window. Ocon, in a moment that could very well have been scripted in Hollywood, narrowly dodged the opening scuffle between Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon. This hair’s breadth escape not only prevented potential calamity for Alpine but also marked a turning point in their race weekend narrative.

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From that moment on, the stars began to align for the Alpine team. Although a portion of their success could be chalked up to the misfortune of others—a classic element of the F1 saga—the team’s strategy and poise under pressure saw both their drivers cross the finish line well within the points.

Gasly, in particular, delivered a performance that caught the eye. In what was the second race of the season’s final triple-header, he maneuvered his machine with the finesse and control of a seasoned pro, providing a silver lining to a weekend that started under a cloud.

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In the end, Alpine’s Brazilian GP story was less about sheer pace and more about seizing the opportunity—a lesson in how the tides of fortune can turn in motorsport. While it’s true that attrition played its part, the points haul for both Alpine cars was nothing short of a ‘good save’, another ode to the team’s determination and tactical acumen.

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Written by:

Pulkit Jai

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Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar