25/07/2025 18:45
Pierre Gasly has escaped punishment from the stewards at
Spa-Francorchamps after being investigated for potentially impeding
Yuki Tsunoda. The Frenchman will therefore retain his eighth-place
starting slot for the one-third distance sprint at the Belgian
Grand Prix. The incident occurred at Blanchimont (Turn 17) during
the first portion of the session, but both drivers ultimately made
it through to SQ2. The Japanese driver explained to the officials
that he may have even benefited from Gasly being in his way,
arguing he received a "tow" from the Alpine. According to the
decision document: "The driver of Car 22 stated that he actually
received a 'tow' from Car 10 and did not have to back off in speed.
This was verified by the telemetry. "He further stated he was not
impeded and did not need to take any evasive action. In view of the
above, the Stewards decide to take no further action because no
'unnecessary impeding' occurred." Tsunoda nonetheless fell short of
getting his Red Bull RB21 into the final part of sprint qualifying,
only managing P12.
