Jeremy Clarkson has promised every member of Alpine's Formula 1 team a pint of Hawkstone lager if Pierre Gasly matches his Italian GP pole by winning Sunday's race at Monza. The 30-year-old shocked his rivals when he claimed his first ever F1 pole position as Alpine found impressive pace during qualifying.
Gasly will be joined by George Russell on the front row, with Oscar Piastri completing the top three. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli is at the back of the grid after a penalty. Gasly has an excellent opportunity to triumph, with he and Alpine seemingly given extra motivation by Clarkson.
Clarkson's offer to Alpine
Writing on X, Clarkson said: "Right. @PierreGASLY No pressure but if you translate that pole into a win, the whole team gets a Hawkstone. Go Chipping Norton team."
Clarkson's affiliation with the Alpine team is due to how close they are to his home and farm in Oxfordshire, with the former Top Gear host closely following the sport.
Gasly's reaction to pole
Following his achievement, Gasly could barely believe it, with the Frenchman also hoping to make even more history. He said: "I don't know what's going on here at Monza. I got my first win here. It holds a special place in my heart. Coming here this morning, we were aiming at Q3. I felt good this morning, the car felt good in quali.
"We were P1 in Q1 and I thought, 'That's a bit odd, but they're going to turn it up'. But we just carried it forward and that last lap, I managed to squeeze everything out of it and I'm extremely pleased. I've been in F1 for nine years and I was still yet to have a pole.
"In quali I'm usually putting in some strong laps but I'm never in a position to fight for pole, and today was different. I'm extremely grateful for the whole team and the car I had today."
Gasly's hopes for the race
Gasly acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying: "The odds are not going to be with me, but we're not here for the odds, we're here to give out best and you can be sure I'll do everything I can. I know what it looks like not having anyone ahead of you on this track, so if there's anywhere I want to start on pole it's going to be here. You can be sure I'll give my best shot.
"It's Formula One. You can't control everything and I'll just do the best that I can. There are a lot of unknowns and I don't know where we're going to finish, but hopefully we can hold on for as long as possible."
