Gasly’s Monza Pole Prompts Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Beer Pledge
Alpine’s first pole in 17 years tests whether the team’s one‑lap speed can translate into a race win.
Overview
- Pierre Gasly took a surprise maiden Formula 1 pole at Monza on Saturday, topping qualifying by 0.060 seconds to deny George Russell and Mercedes.
- Jeremy Clarkson posted on X that he will give the entire Alpine team a bottle of his Hawkstone beer if Gasly converts the pole into a win.
- Gasly said he felt 'extremely happy' and proud of the team's performance after qualifying and noted Monza has special meaning after his 2020 victory there.
- Race outcome remains uncertain because post‑qualifying grid penalties, Alpine’s known tyre‑management limits and strategy choices could reshuffle the order.
- The result is a rare high point for Alpine—its first pole since 2009—and echoes Clarkson’s 2023 promise when he delivered 1,000 bottles after Esteban Ocon’s Monaco podium.