Pierre Gasly denies talks with Alpine F1 team
The seat turmoil of the Alpine F1 team that broke out as a result of Fernando Alonso’s transfer to Aston Martin F1. Oscar Piastri, who was replaced by the team, is said to have signed with McLaren and refused to sign with the Alpine F1 team. The controversy is brought to F1’s contract approval committee.
AlphaTauri’s Pierre Guthrie has emerged as a driver candidate for the Alpine F1 team. Pierre Gasly, who has been effectively denied promotion to Red Bull Racing, is expected to leave the Red Bull family at the end of 2023.
Alpine F1 Team, a French team, is said to be considering an all-French driver lineup of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, and has already reportedly asked Red Bull to acquire Gasly.
In fact, it is reported that negotiations between Red Bull F1 motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and Alpine officials took place over the weekend of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix.
However, Pierre Gasly has rejected suggestions that he might move to the Alpine F1 team in 2023.
“I have nothing to comment on at the moment,” said Pierre Gasly following qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix.
“I’m focused on doing the best job I can this weekend.”
“I have a contract and it has been announced that I will drive for AlphaTauri next year.”
But the prospect of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly teaming up for the Alpine F1 Team has piqued the interest of fans and F1 insiders alike, with a rivalry that has been known since their karting days.
It’s widely believed they’ll never embrace each other as teammates, but Esteban Ocon insists he’s open to the idea.
Asked regarding his relationship with Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon said: “We get along well. We respect each other. I think that’s the important thing.”
So, might an Alpine F1 team ever have that all-French line-up?
“Yes,” declared Esteban Ocon.
Alpine F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer agrees that Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly might get along in theory.
“We have to take drivers who can do well, but I think Esteban, who was with Sergio (Perez) and Fernando (Alonso), is a pro,” said Otmar Szafnauer.
“He will drive with the best man for the team next to him and that’s what we need to focus on.”
Another contender for the Alpine F1 team is Mick Schumacher. Otmar Szafnauer says Schumacher has had “good results recently” with Haas F1 team.
Mick Schumacher is also backed by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“Mick is a very strong driver who has shown his strengths,” the former Ferrari boss told Sky Italia.
“He deserves to be in F1 and not because of his incredible name. He has the ability to be here.”
But Otmar Szafnauer isn’t ready to answer the speculation.
“To really start thinking regarding who the driver will be, we need to go through the CRB[Contract Approval Board]first and have good and complete information regarding what we are going to do.”
Another Alpine F1 driver candidate for 2023 is McLaren departure Daniel Ricciardo.
“I’m ready for any challenge,” insisted Esteban Ocon.
“I am confident that the team will make the right decisions to put us in a good position for 2023.”
Category: F1 / Pierre Guthrie / Alpine
