Toto Wolff has downplayed the threat of Pierre Gasly ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. The Mercedes team principal believes Alpine's impressive qualifying pace won't carry over to the race.
Gasly stunned the Monza paddock by taking pole position, edging out George Russell by a tiny margin. That front-row start gives the Frenchman a strong platform to fight at the front.
Blistering One-Lap Speed
Wolff acknowledged that Alpine showed incredible straight-line speed. Their significant drag reduction made them highly competitive over a single lap.
However, he stressed that the race is a different ballgame. Tire management, pit strategy, and racing pressure will be decisive factors that may not favor Alpine.
Briatore's Realistic Target
Interestingly, Flavio Briatore has set a more realistic target for his team. The Italian believes a top-three finish might be out of reach, with third or fourth a more plausible outcome.
This statement hints at internal doubt despite securing the best starting spot. Can Gasly prove his pole is not just a one-off surprise?
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