Inside the Alpine star’s fashion evolution

We’ve seen Pierre Gasly grow up during his nine years in Formula 1, and as he celebrates his 30th birthday today, there’s no better time to explore one of his most noticeable transformations – his fashion.

The man from Rouen has emerged as one of the sport’s most stylish figures, often, finding a new passion outside racing that, as he says, has become a way for him to explore his creativity and express himself.

Pierre Gasly begins his 10th season in F1 this year – after starting off with Red Bull, the Frenchman bounced back with incredible AlphaTauri success, culminating in his stunning victory at Monza in 2020. Some additional Alpine podiums have cemented Gasly as one of the grid’s finest.

But he’s being noticed for more than his performances – whether it’s his paddock choices, his magazine features, or his fashion show appearances, here is how Gasly has become one of the grid’s latest fashionistas…

Early F1 days and influence

When Gasly made his full-time F1 debut with Toro Rosso, paddock fashion wasn’t the same as it is today. The culture surrounding clothing choices was safer, with focus mainly on team wear and merchandise – driver personality and individuality was often overlooked. But as the sport began to recognise and encourage driver self-expression, Gasly seized the opportunity to showcase his love for fashion.

Ever the fashion trailblazer, Lewis Hamilton’s unique sense of style was a key inspiration for the Frenchman – with the Ferrari man known for increasingly bold, boundary-pushing race weekend outfits. “It’s important to say that without him, things would be different these days,” Gasly told Sky Sports F1 in 2023, stating how Hamilton sticking to his values has opened the door for the younger generation in the paddock to follow his lead. While Hamilton remains the sport’s undisputed fashion pioneer, Gasly has forged his own path and carved out his distinctive aesthetic.

Where Hamilton often goes avant-garde and experimental, Gasly’s style leans more refined and classic with a contemporary edge. You’ll find him in paddock donned in carefully curated streetwear and smart modern pieces that have caught the attention of F1 paddock photographers and fashionistas alike.

What makes Gasly’s rise as a fashion icon particularly captivating is how organic it feels. Many athletes employ personal stylists for public appearances, but Gasly’s interest is genuine, a personal passion that allows him to express himself.

Speaking to Who What Wear, he explained his philosophy: “I also need to have both sides: a life on the track and a life off the track, which allows me to perform at my best.” Balance is crucial for any high-performance athlete, and it appears the 30-year-old has found it through fashion.

Front row at fashion shows

His passion has not gone unnoticed – so much so that his presence has been requested at some of the most prestigious fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and beyond. The Alpine driver has sat front row alongside actors, musicians, and fashion industry insiders, becoming a regular at Paris Fashion Week and attending sought-after Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Bluemarble shows.

Gasly brings fresh eyes to these high-profile shows, while taking inspirations from industry giants for his own looks.

It was inevitable that show appearances would lead to something more for Gasly – namely getting in front of the camera for some shoots. He has graced the pages of GQ and Vanity Fair, outlets that typically reserve their coverage for Hollywood A-listers, but have recently embraced the world of motorsport.

These features have highlighted not just what he wears, but how he wears it, emphasising Gasly’s attention to detail with fashion that mirrors his sporting approach. In 2022, Gasly made his appearance on the cover of GQ France wearing Gucci, Dior and Etro – a powerful fashion trio indeed!

Then, in March of the same year, he appeared in a memorable Vanity Fair spread alongside Lando Norris, George Russell, Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo. The drivers went full fashion model mode for this one – no cars, helmets or tyres in sight!

A fashion-forward pairing

Gasly’s long-term relationship with Portuguese model and influencer Francisca Gomes, known as Kika, has only amplified his fashion profile. The couple have become a fixture at high-profile events like Wimbledon and the Cannes Film Festival – where guest fashion often makes the headlines. Their coordinated fits make them one of F1’s most stylish pairs, with Gomes’ own passions and industry connections only advancing Gasly’s looks.

Living in Milan has also further refined his aesthetic. When Lawrence Barretto visited Pierre at his home for the Off The Grid series, Gasly said: “When I first came to Milan, everyone was so beautiful, their style was so elegant. When you go out, you need to make sure you wear something nice.” The premier fashion capital in Italy has clearly left a lasting impression on Gasly and his style.

Gasly’s fashion future

Barretto also asked if Pierre could ever see himself having his own fashion brand in the future. “I’m definitely going to get into this world at some point,” Pierre replied, “I just like the creativity behind it, and, at the end of the day, I want to discover other worlds [outside of F1].”

As he enters his thirties, Gasly is certainly part of the generation of F1 drivers unafraid to have interests beyond racing. Whether it’s his investment in FC Versailles, the third-tier French football team, or his watch collaboration with H. Moser & Cie, Gasly continues to express his creativity and interests off the track.