Gasly 'tried not to f**k up' procedures on F1 debut in Malaysia

Pierre Gasly felt pleased to have completed his first Formula 1 grand prix weekend, finishing P14 in Malaysia despite dealing with a broken water bottle and back pain.

2016 GP2 champion Gasly was called up to replace the struggling Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso for Malaysia, and enjoyed a trouble-free race that saw him finish just eight seconds off the points.

Speaking about what he thought about just before the race, Gasly said he was focusing on avoid errors amid the complex procedures of a grand prix weekend.

"I was thinking that I was happy to be here, that the things I've done in the past few years were useful and worked out pretty well and to do my job and to do the thing I know best," Gasly said.

"I have the skills to drive, so it was time to do it. Definitely it was something special and in a way you have so many emotions, but then on the other hand, things between the car are so busy that I was thinking about all the procedures, trying not to f**k up with all the switches. You know there are so many things you need to do in the formation lap.

"I think all the procedures were OK, so I think that's a good sign. Though we need to work on the pace - overall I don't think it was an easy weekend for Toro Rosso but we should be more competitive in Suzuka so I'm looking forward to it."

Gasly's efforts were not aided by an issue with his water bottle that meant he could not drink beyond Lap 20 in the race, as well as being uncomfortable in his seat.

"After 20 laps I wanted to drink and there was water coming on my neck but not in my mouth so I was like 'OK, race is gonna be long,'" Gasly said.

"I was thirsty so with the adrenaline I just kept pushing until the last lap but I'm really happy about it of course because Malaysia is tough, one of the toughest of the season and the first one for me so always a bit more difficult than when you have the experience and I managed to go to the end pushing flat out so it was a positive first race.

"I think with the seat fitting we will do another one in Suzuka because it was moving a lot and that's not an especially nice feeling, all race as well. Inside the seat, moving a lot is not ideal for my back and my lower back is quite painful, so we have planned to do a new one for next weekend."