Malaysian Grand Prix – Toro Rosso debutant Pierre Gasly took part in the Malaysian Grand Prix without the use of his water bottle.
The 2016 GP2 Series champion made his Formula One debut at the Malaysian Grand Prix after Toro Rosso elected to rest regular driver Daniil Kvyat.
With it, his debut came at one of the most physically demanding events on the calendar, where he went on to qualify in Q2 and finish the race in 14th.
Despite the elation at making his Formula One debut, Gasly was left without water for the entire race.
“It was amazing, a first Formula One race is always a special moment. Maybe the team wanted to make the race a bit tougher for me without my drink,” joked Gasly when asked about his drink bottle.
“It worked, but I just didn’t have the tube in my mouth. I could feel the water, but it was not in my mouth. It was a bit annoying but in the end I think it was positive [race]. I tried not to make any mistakes, get some experience for the next couple of races. Definitely it was a good first race.”
“For sure I will remember it for the rest of my life. A first Formula One race is difficult to describe, I don’t really realise it. Maybe I will wake up tomorrow morning a wake up a different man. I’ve just tried to be focused and tried to deliver the best performance I could and keep learning for the next races.”