’Embarrassed’ Gasly hoping talks with FIA can lift ban threat

SAO PAULO: Pierre Gasly said Thursday he hopes to avoid a potential race ban for penalty points after concerted talks with Formula One’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA). Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the year, the French driver conceded he was in a difficult position after racking up 10 penalty points — knowing that 12 in a year would mean an automatic ban. “I’m not going to lie,” Gasly, who will leave Alpha Tauri for Renault next season, told reporters.

“It’s a very unpleasant situation and is quite delicate and, in some ways, quite embarrassing. “To be standing in a position where I could be banned after the season I have done. I don’t really feel I have been particularly dangerous over these last 12 months — and that would be definitely a harsh penalty.

“But there have been a lot of discussions with the FIA, trying to find a solution because personally, I want to do all of the races. I want to finish the season in the best way I can with AlphaTauri.” Gasly, 26, has picked up penalty points for a range of minor offenses this year including speeding under red flags, driving too slowly and distant behind a Safety Car, exceeding track limits, collisions and gaining an advantage when going off the circuit. He cannot drop any of the points against him, to reduce the total, until May next season, when the 2023 championship will be at least five races old.