Source: Official Team Post via X
‘This Experience Has Shaped Me’ – Pierre Gasly on His Make-A-Wish Work
Alpine's Pierre Gasly reflects on his role as a Make-A-Wish ambassador, sharing poignant moments that have impacted him profoundly. The F1 driver emphasizes the importance of giving back and how these experiences have shaped his perspective.
Pierre Gasly, the Alpine F1 driver, has opened up about his impactful role as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish France. In the wake of Formula 1's Social Impact Report, which highlighted charitable programs benefiting over 500,000 young people in 2025, Gasly shared his personal experiences with the charity.
A particularly memorable moment for Gasly involved a 17-year-old boy with a critical illness whom he toured around Alpine’s Enstone factory. The teenager impressed Gasly with his encyclopedic knowledge of cars, even while facing significant health challenges. This poignant encounter left a lasting impact on Gasly, especially after the young boy passed away just two months later.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation began in 1979, inspired by the story of Chris Greicius, a seven-year-old boy with leukemia who wished to become a police officer. Like Chris, many children have seen their dreams fulfilled by the foundation, giving them moments of joy despite their illnesses.
Gasly, like many young drivers, initially focused on his racing career. However, he soon realized the potential of using his platform for positive contributions. "I told my manager that I wanted to get involved in charity work," Gasly recalls. "Make-A-Wish felt like a perfect fit."
His involvement ranges from auctioning helmets to spending time with children at races. Gasly finds the work rewarding, saying, "It's fulfilling to know I can positively impact these kids. It doesn't matter if it's one or a million lives; making a difference is special."
Despite the emotional challenges, Gasly values the perspective these interactions provide. "Meeting these kids makes you reflect on life and appreciate what you have," he says. "It's easy to complain, but we should be grateful for our opportunities."
Gasly uses his high-profile status to encourage donations, stressing that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. "A five-euro donation might seem small, but collectively, it changes lives," he assures. "I've seen firsthand the joy these moments bring to kids, and it's worth every effort."
Through his work with Make-A-Wish, Gasly not only brings joy to children facing severe illnesses but also finds a deeper sense of purpose and perspective in his own life.