Pierre Gasly has found himself under scrutiny following an Instagram post from his Christmas skiing holiday, where he aimed to clarify that his intentions were never to disrespect Michael Schumacher. While addressing the media at the Alpine team’s A526 launch in Barcelona on January 23, Gasly reiterated his admiration for Schumacher, expressing, “I’m a big fan of Michael. I’ve always shown respect to him. I think I’ve always shared the fact that he was one of my idols growing up.”
The controversy erupted from a photograph of Gasly in a red Marlboro ski suit, which closely resembled one historically worn by the legendary seven-time world champion. To exacerbate matters, the post was shared on Schumacher’s birthday, prompting some fans to criticize the timing as inappropriate. Gasly attributed the backlash to the often volatile nature of social media, stating, “I think it’s unfortunately the life we live in.”
At the launch event, Gasly emphasized the significance of his holiday, where he enjoyed a much-needed break with family and friends, away from the usual high-pressure environment of Formula 1. He remarked, “I really enjoy this part of things. It was good,” indicating how much he values his downtime and the chance to reconnect with loved ones.
Despite the backlash, Gasly made it clear that he harbors deep respect for Schumacher, asserting, “In not a single second I meant anything [bad] by that.” Looking ahead, Gasly expressed excitement for the upcoming Formula 1 season, as Alpine unveiled the livery for their 2026 car. With private testing scheduled in the coming weeks, the team will kick off their competitive season at the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.
In reflecting on his passion for skiing, Gasly shared how the sport has been a significant part of his life, helping him to decompress and maintain a balanced perspective amid the demands of racing.