Pierre Gasly has responded to backlash following a social media post he made wearing a Marlboro branded red jacket whilst skiing, on Michael Schumacher's birthday.

The Frenchman received backlash for posting the images on social media, which featured Gasly enjoying the winter break and skiing, whilst wearing a Marlboro branded red jacket. Some fans viewed the post as distasteful, with the red jacket resembling race suits worn by Schumacher, who was also involved in a skiing accident back in 2013.

Speaking at the launch of Alpine's 2026 challenger, the A526, Gasly responded to the criticism that he had received over the winter break.

He began: "I'm a big fan of Michael, I've always shown respect to him. I think I've always shared the fact that he was one of my idols growing up. It was one of his jackets. I love skiing. I've always gone since I was a child. I think it really takes your mind away."

Pierre Gasly - Photo: Race Pictures

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The Frenchman added: "As I said, I had two weeks. I had one week with my family over Christmas, one week with my friends, which is much needed in my life, just to go away from the environment that we are in usually and just go back to a more traditional life with your friends. I really enjoy this part of things. It was good."

The 2025-2026 winter break has been one of the shortest in F1's history, with the season concluding in early December, and pre-season testing starting up at the end of January.

Gasly finished by saying: "I think it's unfortunately the life we live in. I think I always show I'm someone very respectful. I had a couple of idols in my life. Michael was and is one of them. So in not a single second I meant anything [bad] by that."

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