Gasly on starting crash in Hungary: 'Luckily no damage like Perez or Verstappen'

Pierre Gasly was able to capitalise on mistakes from the front-runners earlier in the year, securing his first podium finish of the season in Baku. In Hungary, a second podium looked quite possible, but the Frenchman was involved in the starting chaos and eventually saw compatriot Esteban Ocon win.

"The goal was to qualify high up in the midfield, to be in the best possible position for the race. We did that, actually we even over-performed when I saw we were ahead of Ferrari and McLaren", Gasly acknowledged in conversation with Motorsport Week.

On Sunday, however, it became apparent that a place in the top ten was not ideal. "It probably would have gone better if we were in our natural spot, a little further back, to take advantage of the situation". Indeed, Gasly managed to avoid major damage, but was close to Sergio Perez when he was hit hard by Valtteri Bottas.

"Luckily we didn't get any damage, compared to Max (Verstappen), Lando (Norris) and Sergio (Perez). After the first corner you are last and on a track where it is extremely difficult to overtake, we actually had a very good day with an eventual P6.Wealso set the fastest lap of the race, but we should have aimed for a podium", Gasly concluded.