It’s official, Alpine confirm Pierre Gasly in a multi-year deal

Michelle Foster
Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly during the Canadian Grand Prix. Montreal, June 2022.

Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly during the Canadian Grand Prix. Montreal, June 2022.

After seven years on the Formula 1 grid with the Red Bull family, Pierre Gasly will say farewell at the end of this season having signed a multi-year contract with Alpine.

Midway through this year’s championship Gasly believed 100 per cent he’d be an AlphaTauri driver next season, the final year of his contract extension.

However, that all changed when Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko said he’d be open to the driver leaving but only if AlphaTauri can sign IndyCar driver Colton Herta.

Alpine entered the conversation, reports claiming they’d even gone as far as to agree terms with Gasly.

However, that seemed to be over when the FIA stood firm on the requirements for a superlicence with Herta short on points.

And then Nyck de Vries starred in his one-off appearance at the Italian Grand Prix, scoring two points for Williams and catching the attention of Marko.

Gasly’s Alpine move was back on, Red Bull just needed to secure De Vries’ services.

And when Alpine confirmed Gasly early Saturday morning, it wasn’t long before De Vries to AlphaTauri broke.

The Frenchman has officially been released from AlphaTauri to join Alpine as part of an all-French line-up for 2023 when he will partner childhood rival Esteban Ocon.

“I am delighted to join the Alpine family and begin this new chapter in my F1 career,” said Gasly. “Driving for a team that has French roots is something very special.

“I know the strengths of Alpine having raced against them over the past couple of years and, clearly, their progress and ambition is very impressive.”

Gasly thanked Red Bull and AlphaTauri, vowing to give his all in his final five races with his team.

“I wish to thank Red Bull as this marks the end of our nine-year journey together.

“It is thanks to their trust and support that I became a Formula 1 driver, and what we’ve achieved with Scuderia AlphaTauri over the last years has been very special.

“Looking ahead, I want to give the maximum and utilise all my experience to fight for podiums and ultimately contribute to Alpine’s fight for championships in the future.”

His AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost wished him well.

“Scuderia AlphaTauri had a very successful time with Pierre,” said Tost. “We will never forget his fantastic victory in Monza and his podium finishes in Brazil and Azerbaijan.

“I want to thank Pierre for all the effort he’s put into the team in the last years, and I wish him all the best for his future.”

Read more: Jenson Button urges Daniel Ricciardo against taking Mercedes reserve driver role