Pierre Gasly is actively working behind the scenes to bring a major change to the Renault-owned Alpine team, advocating strongly to bring Carlos Sainz on board. Gasly, who is currently positioned 15th in the 2024 driver standings, has been vocal about his belief in the projects at Alpine and his support for the team's development.
"I did my fair share of the job," Gasly said, emphasizing his commitment to the team. "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 to make his own decision."
Sainz's potential move comes in the wake of his imminent departure from Ferrari, opening the door for Lewis Hamilton. This reshuffle in the driver's market adds a significant layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. Currently, Sainz holds a commendable fourth place in the driver standings, reflecting his consistent performance and potential value to Alpine.
"It's only the timing that I'm changing," Sainz noted, addressing the shift in his career path. "I'm not changing the outcome of anyone as probably all teams by now have their priorities and their decisions depending on each scenario."
The dynamics at Alpine are further complicated by the announcement of Esteban Ocon's exit from the team at the end of the year. This departure means the team will need to fill a crucial slot, making Gasly's push for Sainz even more impactful. Additionally, Jack Doohan is currently serving as a reserve driver for Alpine, and Mick Schumacher is involved with Alpine’s world endurance squad, further contributing to a season of significant transitions.
Despite these changes, Gasly remains optimistic about the team’s future. "The team has good options on the table," Gasly stated confidently. "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."
As Alpine navigates these shifts, their performance in the constructors cup shows they have room for improvement. Currently holding the eighth spot, the team aims to make strides forward. Aspen, the rebranding ahead to Audi in 2026, will be particularly interested to see if such strategic moves pay off. Meanwhile, Williams and Sauber face their battles, sitting ninth and last, respectively, in the constructors cup.
With these developments, the 2024 season promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent years. As teams and drivers position themselves for success, the decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the landscape of Formula 1 for seasons to come.