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Alpine driver Pierre Gasly has opened up about his role as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish France, highlighting how his charitable work with children facing critical illnesses has profoundly shaped his life. Following Formula 1’s inaugural Social Impact Report—which revealed that over 500,000 young people benefited from F1 charitable programmes in 2025, with more than 50 wishes granted last year—Gasly spoke to Formula1.com about his experiences meeting young fans.
A Memorable Factory Visit
One particular encounter that left a lasting mark on the French driver involved a 17-year-old boy living with a critical illness whom Gasly gave a tour of Alpine’s Enstone factory in the United Kingdom. Gasly recalled taking his guest around the facility in an Alpine A110 road car, noting that the teenager possessed an astonishing knowledge of automobiles. Just two months after that visit, the young guest passed away from his illness, a loss that made Gasly’s ambassadorship hit home even more deeply.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation traces its origins back to 1979, when a seven-year-old boy named Chris Greicius was diagnosed with leukaemia in Scottsdale, Arizona. Supported by his community, Chris had his wish fulfilled to be a police officer for a day, riding in a police helicopter over Phoenix and becoming Arizona’s first honorary Department of Public Safety member before passing away shortly after. That history mirrors the poignant realities that drivers like Gasly witness today.
Finding Perspective Through Charity
Early in his Formula 1 career, Gasly focused primarily on beating his teammates and building his reputation on the track. However, once established in the paddock, he actively sought ways to give back and felt that Make-A-Wish was a natural fit for his personal goals. Whether auctioning helmets or meeting children at race tracks, Gasly emphasized that the positive impact flows both ways and has made him stronger in how he approaches life.
When asked if he struggles to contain his emotions when meeting these children shortly before jumping into a racing car, Gasly admitted that he is quite emotional and that seeing reality can be tough. He explained that these encounters force him to reflect on life and appreciate the conditions he enjoys, noting that seeing young people face limited time reminds him that people should not allow themselves to complain about small inconveniences.
Encouraging Public Support
While his high profile as a grand prix driver helps raise awareness for the foundation, Gasly stressed that anyone can contribute to helping fulfill these dreams. He urged the public to realize that even small donations of two, five, or ten euros add up significantly when pooled together by hundreds or thousands of people. Having witnessed firsthand how beneficial these incredible moments are for the children, Gasly concluded that every contribution is entirely worth it.
