Pierre Gasly learns stewards' verdict over alleged unsafe release at Dutch GP Qualifying

Alpine‘s Pierre Gasly has received no further action for an alleged unsafe release during Dutch GP Qualifying. The Frenchman, who qualified P11 in Zandvoort, was released directly ahead of Audi‘s Gabriel Bortoleto during Q1 but upon review has avoided punishment.

Relief for the Enstone team, who have brought a major package to the Dutch GP, more upgrades than any other team this weekend, with Gasly the sole Alpine driver sporting the eight aero updates. His teammate Franco Colapinto qualified P14, and will receive the upgrade package next time out at Monza.

Meanwhile, Audi have looked impressive so far this weekend at Zandvoort, with Bortoleto qualifying P8. His teammate Nico Hulkenberg, however, will line up outside the points positions on Sunday, after qualifying P13.

In their statement, the stewards conceded that Bortoleto had to react to Gasly’s release into the pit lane, but in no way that would endanger personnel or either driver. Both drivers have also agreed that the incident was “not unsafe in any way.”

Below is the stewards’ observations on the Gasly-Bortoleto incident:

“The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 5 (Gabriel Bortoleto), the driver of Car 10 (Pierre Gasly) and their team representatives and reviewed video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence.

“Car 10 was released from its garage directly in front of Car 5 which had just left its garage, thereby requiring the driver of Car 5 to slightly brake in the fast lane. During the hearing both drivers agreed that the situation was not unsafe in any way, but rather very typical for cars heading out during qualifying.

“The Stewards agree that, although the driver of Car 5 had to react to Car 10 entering the fast lane in front of him, the car was not released in a way that could endanger pit lane personnel or another driver or that could cause damage to another car. Therefore no further action is taken.”