Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson has thrown his support behind Alpine after Pierre Gasly secured pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.
Key Highlights
- Jeremy Clarkson promised the entire Alpine team Hawkstone beer if Pierre Gasly wins the Italian GP
- Gasly secured his maiden F1 pole position at Monza ahead of Sunday’s race
- Clarkson previously delivered 1,000 bottles of Hawkstone beer to Alpine after Esteban Ocon’s 2023 Monaco podium
- 🇮🇹Gasly called Monza a special place after securing his first F1 win there in 2020 and now his first pole
Clarkson Backs Gasly After Shock Monza Pole
Gasly topped Saturday’s qualifying session at Monza, claiming his maiden F1 pole and putting Alpine in a surprise position to fight for victory. Clarkson, whose Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton is located close to Alpine’s Enstone headquarters, quickly reacted to the result on X.
“Right. Pierre Gasly. No pressure but if you translate that pole into a win, the whole team gets a Hawkstone. Go Chipping Norton team,” Clarkson posted.
Clarkson Has Backed Alpine Before
This is not the first time Clarkson has publicly backed his “local” F1 team. During the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, Clarkson promised to buy the entire Alpine team a pint if Esteban Ocon secured a podium finish.
Ocon delivered by finishing third, and Clarkson followed through on his promise. The Clarkson’s Farm presenter personally drove his Lamborghini tractor to Alpine’s Enstone factory, delivering a trailer packed with 1,000 bottles of Hawkstone beer for the team.
Gasly Chases Another Special Monza Moment
Gasly’s pole position came as a major surprise during a season that has so far been dominated by Mercedes. The Frenchman’s achievement is even more significant given his history at Monza. It was the same circuit where he claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory for AlphaTauri in 2020.
Speaking after qualifying, Gasly said he was extremely happy and proud of the entire Alpine team after finally getting a car capable of fighting for pole. “It’s not every time we get a car to fight for pole position, and today it was the case,” Gasly explained.
Gasly Calls Monza a Special Place
Gasly revealed that the Alpine had felt strong from the opening lap of Q1, giving him confidence throughout qualifying. He described his final qualifying lap as “a heck of a lap” after successfully converting Alpine’s pace into his first pole position.
The achievement also gave Gasly another special milestone at Monza. “I got my first win here in Monza, and now I get my first pole position, so definitely a special place to me,” he said.
Now, Gasly has the chance to complete the story by converting his surprise pole into another Monza victory — and potentially earning the entire Alpine team a very large delivery of Hawkstone beer.
