Pierre Gasly to remain with Alpine after committing to multi-year contract extension

Written by Sophie Harvey

Alpine have confirmed that Pierre Gasly will remain with the Enstone-based team long term, having signed a multi-year contract. The news comes after the recent announcement that Esteban Ocon will depart the outfit at the end of the year, with his replacement yet to be announced.

Gasly’s extension will come as little surprise to fans; Image Credit - Alpine

Having joined the team at the beginning of last year, Gasly has been a key figure in the Alpine’s prior success. Whilst the team has struggled to find performance this year, his prior results include two top-three finishes for the outfit.

Alpine had subsequently been pushing to secure the Frenchman’s expertise long-term, with the intention of securing a driver to carry them into the new era of Formula 1. 

In reaction to the news, Gasly cemented his appreciation for the team by saying: “I feel very much at home at this great team. I enjoy being a real part of both the Formula 1 project and the wider Alpine Cars vision.”

“I’ve been officially here for over 18 months and it has always been the plan to build a long-term project with the Team. While on-track it’s been a challenging season so far, I remain faithful to the project and I am not going anywhere.”

Whilst the team has generated a lot of negative publicity and managerial turmoil as of late, Gasly has made it clear that he believes Alpine is heading for success, stating:

“I am happy with the changes made, the hard work, and the direction the team is taking. There is a lot of potential in this team’s personnel and resources. I’m excited for what is to come in the future and right now I’m focusing on the everyday details that we are putting in to improve our performances.”

The team have particularly struggled as of late, but things look to be on the up; Image Credit - Alpine

One of the biggest changes to the team has been the abrupt departure of Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer. Bruno Famin was appointed to take his place, and is more than happy with his decision to retain the French driver.

Famin said: “The extension of Pierre’s contract with the team is very pleasing. He is a driver with huge experience in Formula 1 and continues to show huge amounts of potential on-track.”

Though, it seems nothing has been decided regarding his future-teammate.

“We have high ambitions this current season and we will work tirelessly to achieve those things. We will take our time in deciding Pierre’s team-mate and we are excited with the options we have on the table.”

In a matter of days, the team will be testing with reserve driver Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, who joined the brand through Alpine’s WEC pursuit. Will either of these two take the vacant seat? Or will the team manage to allure Carlos Sainz, this year’s dictator of the driver market?