Pierre Gasly condemns 'disturbing' abuse after Alpine strategy row

Pierre Gasly has spoken out after he and his loved ones were targeted by online abuse and threats following Alpine's Spanish GP strategy gamble, calling the attacks 'completely inappropriate' and 'disturbing' for F1.

Why it matters:

The episode shows how quickly strategy decisions can spiral into personal threats. Gasly's comments are a reminder that criticism is part of F1, but abuse aimed at family members crosses a line.

The details:

• Alpine's gamble on a late safety car at the Madring backfired, leaving Gasly on a 55-lap hard-tyre stint. He pitted under green, finished P12 and took a five-second pit-lane penalty.
• When the strategy failed, Gasly told race engineer Josh Peckett: 'Don't even talk to me. Radio over.'
• Team-mate Franco Colapinto was running in points but stuck behind Gasly while Oscar Piastri closed in. With no team order to move aside, Colapinto demanded a swap.
• Gasly eventually pitted, and Colapinto held off Piastri to finish seventh.
• Gasly said the matter was resolved internally: 'There wasn't a call for an actual swap. It's all been discussed with the team, and it's all clear.'
• On the abuse, he added: 'There is a certain line that should not be crossed just because you're behind a screen and a keyboard.'

What's next:

Gasly and Alpine now head to this week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, hoping to avoid another public breakdown. The debate over protecting drivers from online abuse will continue.