The new season of Formula 1 has kicked off, with the Bahrain circuit hosting the first tests of the new car sport campaign. Pierre Gasly, the Alpine pilot, is back for another year with the French team. But what’s interesting about Gasly is that he could have had a completely different career path – one that involved football, not Formula 1.
At the age of 10, Gasly had to make a tough decision between pursuing a career in football or karting. He had been playing football since he was 5 and was even part of the French academy. However, he started karting competitions at the age of 9, which made it difficult for him to balance both sports. Gasly recalled, “It was something that I loved. At that time, it was good with the ball. I entered the selection for the French academy. I always ran a lot. It was extreme.”
As Gasly got older, it became increasingly difficult for him to manage both football and karting. He started missing football training sessions and games due to his karting competitions. His football coach wasn’t happy about it, and Gasly was even benched for a game. That’s when he decided to focus on karting, saying, “I told myself: ‘Ok, I basically have to choose.’ But in my mind, it was already clear. Although they are my two great passions, my love for karting and races was a bit older.”
A future that could be different
Gasly’s decision to pursue a career in Formula 1 didn’t mean he gave up on football entirely. He still has a passion for the sport and is often seen wearing PSG shirts, his favorite club. His car number, 10, is even a nod to his idol, Zidane. Gasly explained, “I have always wanted to be involved in some way in this sport. Obviously, I was not going to participate as a player. But I have always thought that if one day an attractive offer came, I would find a way to participate.”
Gasly is still linked to football
Recently, Gasly bought a part of Versailles FC, a National Championnat team. He said, “As a great soccer fan, I have always wanted to be involved in some way in this sport.” This move shows that Gasly’s love for football is still strong, even if he’s not playing professionally. He added, “Honestly, I still dream of it. Sport itself, play the ball and be with my classmates. And the whole atmosphere of being with your team, going to places and challenging other teams from other cities. I loved every moment.”
After he retires from F1, Gasly plans to join a veterans team or club just to play football again. It’s clear that football will always be a part of his life, even if he’s made a successful career in Formula 1. As he put it, “I think the day I retire from F1, I will enter a team of veterans or a veterans club just to play. Because it’s really a great, great passion of mine.”