Pierre Gasly livid after spotting a tractor on track during Japan GP
AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly was livid after spotting a tractor on the track during the Japan GP on Sunday. The F1 driver was the final man out behind the safety car when the race was red-flagged.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, running third in the grid, crashed in the race’s second lap, and the safety car was out immediately. Alex Albon had also suffered an engine failure at the same turn and was parked on the side.
Race Control threw the red flag to get the cars cleared from the side of the track and wait for the weather to clear. However, before all cars returned to the pitlane, a tractor made its way to lift the Ferrari.
It was later confirmed that the recovery vehicle was already on the track when race leader Max Verstappen was crossing the spot.
Gasly, who was driving faster than the rest of the drivers as he had to catch the train, was left stunned as he moved past the tow vehicle and was furious on the Team Radio.
“God! What the?! What is this tractor?! What is this tractor on track? I passed next to it, This is unacceptable! Remember what has happened. Can’t believe this.”
Pierre Gasly via the Team Radio
The AlphaTauri driver, who is set to join BWT Alpine next season, was referring to the 2014 incident at the same venue. Jules Bianchi slid from the wet track and crashed into a tractor, which was lifting Adrian Sutil’s car.
Unfortunately, he passed away nine months after not recovering from the injuries.