F1 fans blast ‘disgraceful’ Sky Sports for pointing finger at Gasly

Sky Sports F1 have been criticised by viewers for pointing the finger at Pierre Gasly for almost striking a tractor. Gasly passed a recovery vehicle when racing to reach the back of the safety car after being forced to pit. 

The Frenchman was furious over the team radio, calling the incident “unacceptable”. Sky Sports F1 host Johnny Herbert claimed it was “not ideal” for a tractor to be on the track but also suggested Gasly was partly to blame. 

He explained: “You’ve got that yellow flag, you know there’s been a crash beforehand, you know there may be marshals on the circuit as well, why is he in fifth gear? I really don’t understand. That’s where for me it’s unacceptable.”

Karun Chandhok suggested they were not laying the blame solely on Gasly but stressed there were things the AlphaTauri star should have done differently. 

But, fans hit back at the broadcaster for their “disgraceful” view, with one even calling the remarks “horrific”. Twitter user @agormley640 said: “Sky’s analysis of the Gasly incident is so tone deaf it is painful. Johnny Herbert laying all the blame on the driver is horrific.”

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@vcttels added: “I can’t believe Sky Sports F1 and the commentators are actually out here debating about the incident ‘you can’t put blame on one side’ NO a recovery vehicle should not be on a live track PERIOD.

@T_TFSofficial posted: “​​Sky F1 pundits trying to use Gasly as a scapegoat for this tractor incident. All of the other drivers were on track while this tractor was out. Gasly’s speed isn’t the issue here. Multiple lives were at risk. Absolutely disgraceful from all of them.”

@SocialTerritory wrote: “These four Sky Sports commentators shameless and having multiple digs at Pierre Gasly as if they were in the car of they’re in the position. They go on about driver safety but then blame drivers and defend the FIA.”

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The tractor appeared on the outside of the racing line as it went to collect the stricken Carlos Sainz who crashed on the opening lap. 

However, Gasly was furious over team radio after the incident screaming: “God! What the?! What is this tractor?! What is this tractor on track? I passed next to it, This is unacceptable! What has happened? Can’t believe this.” Race stewards have confirmed they are investigating Gasly, claiming he was travelling at over 150mph in a red flag. 

An FIA statement added: “The safety car had been deployed and the race neutralised. Car 10, which had collected damage and pitted behind the safety car, was driving at high speed to catch up to the field

“As conditions were deteriorating, the Red Flag was shown before Car 10 passed the location of the incident where it had been damaged the previous lap.”