Gasly Courts Sainz for Alpine Amidst Shakeup
Pierre Gasly is diligently working to lure Carlos Sainz to Renault-owned Alpine, in what could be a significant move for the 2025 Formula 1 season. With Sainz's upcoming departure from Ferrari, a vacancy will open up, expected to be filled by none other than seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The reshuffle has sent ripples through the paddock, raising anticipation for Alpine's future line-up.
Gasly, currently positioned 15th in the 2024 driver standings, is not deterred by his personal ranking. His focus is clearly on the broader objectives of the team. "I did my fair share of the job, but ultimately I believe in the projects we're building with Alpine and I always back the team up. Now it's up to him [Sainz] to make his own decision," Gasly remarked, demonstrating his commitment to Alpine’s vision.
Meanwhile, Sainz sits securely at fourth in the 2024 driver standings, making him a highly coveted driver. His consistent performance this season has bolstered his reputation, and the prospect of moving to Alpine has certainly piqued interest. Reflecting on the ongoing changes, Sainz said, "It's only the timing that I'm changing, I'm not changing the outcome of anyone as probably all teams by now have their priorities and their decisions depending on each scenario."
As Esteban Ocon prepares to exit Alpine at the end of the year, the team is keen to solidify its driver line-up to maintain a competitive edge. Gasly, aware of the pivotal moment, expressed confidence in Alpine's strategy. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," he stated, hinting at a promising future despite the current eighth place in the constructors cup.
The dynamics of the driver market have been further complicated by the presence of Jack Doohan, who currently serves as a reserve driver for Alpine. Additionally, Mick Schumacher's involvement with Alpine’s world endurance squad underscores the team’s depth of talent and versatility. With these potentialities, Gasly remains optimistic about Alpine’s prospects. "At the end of the day, it's not up to me. I welcome the fastest guy out there. We all know who it is. But then, yeah, I mean, at the moment, we've got to wait. But yeah, the team has three good options," Gasly elaborated.
However, the competition is not just about securing top drivers; it’s also about the financial and developmental strategies of the teams. Williams, currently languishing in ninth place out of ten in the constructors cup, and Sauber, which is set to rebrand as Audi in 2026 and is positioned last, highlight the intense struggle down the grid. For Alpine, the goal is to climb the standings and solidify its status as a serious contender.
Gasly’s efforts to entice Sainz could be a game-changer for Alpine, potentially aligning the team's aspirations with the skill sets of one of the most consistent drivers on the grid. As the chess pieces move, the stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome could redefine the competitive landscape of Formula 1.