AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly's car bursts into FLAMES in Singapore

F1 driver’s car bursts into FLAMES in the pit lane in Singapore while he’s sitting inside – before quick-thinking mechanics from rival team Aston Martin step in to extinguish the fire

  • AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly had a lucky escape during practice in Singapore 
  • His car burst into flames after he entered the pit-lane in a terrifying moment 
  • Gasly was still sat in the cock-pit before quickly removing himself from the seat
  • Aston Martin mechanics reacted quickly and helped to extinguish the fire  

Pierre Gasly’s car shockingly burst into flames during practice for the Singapore Grand Prix while the AlphaTauri driver was still in the cockpit.

Gasly appeared relaxed as he returned to the pit-lane but there was soon real concern for his safety when the airbox, placed behind his head, caught fire.    

Before Gasly was able to escape the cockpit for safety, nearby Aston Martin mechanics reacted to extinguish the fire as he removed himself from the car. 

There was a great deal of confusion in the AlphaTauri garage as to how Gasly’s car had suddenly burst into flames.

Gasly did re-emerge to complete the second practice session, but ahead of qualifying on Saturday there is growing concern around the safety of the Frenchman’s car. 

Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri car burst into flames in Singapore when his airbox caught fire

Aston Martin mechanics were on hand to quickly put out the flames with a fire extinguisher

The airbox behind Gasly’s head caught fire but he was able to escape the car unharmed

The French driver was concerned at the shocking fire as he analysed the incident in the garage

Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz spoke to AlphaTauri after the session to shed light on how the fire started.

He said: ‘Everything’s been sorted out. There’s been a bit of tape that’s been out over the fire damaged engine cover.

‘The team are telling me the fire started when the fuel breather was connected to the car but it was put out quickly and then he’s going back out on the circuit.’

Footage showed Gasly entering the pit-lane before his roll-hoop shoots up in flames just as the Frenchman’s AlphaTauri was being rolled into the garage.

After some quick thinking, Gasly hopped out – though it was unclear as to why his car was spitting flames. 

The AlphaTauri team had no indication it’d burst into flames before being extinguished with the help of an Aston Martin mechanic.

Gasly was able to return and complete his second practice ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix

Meanwhile, this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix is the first chance for Max Verstappen to clinch a second world title 

As things stand four drivers mathematically speaking remain in contention for the world title: Verstappen, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ George Russell.

Verstappen holds a 116-point lead over Leclerc, a 125-point lead over Perez and a 132-point lead over Russell.

There is an inevitability that Verstappen will coast his way to world title No 2 but if he can pull it off – albeit against the odds – in Singapore, it would be the earliest finish to a season in 20 years. 

Max Verstappen has a chance to claim the earliest F1 championship in the last 20 years




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