Pierre Gasly wants to give Honda more wins before “sad” F1 exit

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly admits he was saddened by the news Honda will leave Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season and hopes to provide the Japanese manufacturer with more wins.

Gasly has used Honda power in all bar five of his 57 grand prix starts and he has used the company’s engines on his way to claiming both his first podium and maiden win in F1.

The Frenchman also used Honda power units in Japan’s Super Formula series when he finished runner-up in the championship in 2017.

Gasly’s shock victory for AlphaTauri at Monza marked the first time an engine manufacturer had won races with two different teams during the V6 hybrid era which began in 2014.

“I have to admit I’m sad that Honda is leaving Formula 1 after the experiences we shared together over the past four years,” Gasly said.

“The people at Honda have played an important role in my career and I have always loved working with them.

“But we will still be together until the end of next year and I hope we can try and fight for more wins together before then, and that Honda will be in a position to fight for the [constructors’] championship title.”

Gasly’s teammate, Daniil Kvyat, said he was “surprised” and disappointed by Honda’s decision to quit the sport.

“I was surprised to hear the news that Honda will leave F1 at the end of next year,” the Russian said.

“It is sad on a human level as I enjoy working with their engineers, and disappointing from a racing point of view because they have worked so hard to give us the best possible power unit and we have seen it deliver some excellent results so far.

“The Honda guys at the track are really committed and I’m sure they will continue to push while they are still in the sport.”