In Japan, the French driver was put under pressure by Verstappen, with the two eventually crossing the finish line in seventh and eighth place.
The Frenchman says that battles with the four-time world champion are special, as he never gives up.
He said: “I mean it’s not every single weekend I had the chance to fight with a four-time world champion and I’m glad to be in a position to do it with him.
“So yes, I definitely enjoyed the race because with that extra pressure, there is more at stake, [because of] who you’re fighting against. And I also get the best out of myself in this type of performance. I’m very pleased, the pace was good.”
Photo: Race Pictures
Positive mood within Alpine
Gasly is currently in eighth place in the drivers standings’ with 15 points, which means he is seven points shy of his tally in 2025.
“Again, best at the end of the top three [teams] in the race. We had the pace again to be behind the top three.
“We managed to do it, even though it was a bit harder start on Friday. But I’m just happy because the car seems to work on all types of tracks really. So I think that’s definitely a good boost of confidence.
“I haven’t been at the factory yet, but hopefully they’ll enjoy seeing us fighting for this type of position. Quite different to last year. And it gives that boost to really get the work done and get ourselves in even better shape,” Gasly concluded.