Pierre Gasly’s Determined Push to Bring Carlos Sainz to Alpine
Renault-owned Alpine faces a potential shaking up of its driver lineup, spurred on by Pierre Gasly’s efforts to secure Carlos Sainz’s signature. Sainz's future has become a focal point of speculation as he is set to leave Ferrari, paving the way for the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Gasly, currently sitting at 15th in the 2024 driver standings, believes passionately in the new projects being built by Alpine and is eager to see Sainz join 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 to make his own decision," Gasly stated, underscoring his commitment to the team's future plans.
Meanwhile, Sainz occupies a comfortable fourth in the 2024 driver standings, a fact that underscores his value as a top-tier driver. His imminent departure from Ferrari raises many questions about his next move, making Gasly’s overtures even more significant. "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," Sainz commented, suggesting that his choices will be mindful of the broader dynamics within the F1 teams.
Esteban Ocon’s announcement that he will exit Alpine at the end of the year adds another layer of urgency to Alpine’s recruitment drive. As the team evaluates its options, Jack Doohan remains in place as a reserve driver, and Mick Schumacher’s involvement with Alpine’s world endurance squad offers additional flexibility in the driver lineup.
"I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," Gasly noted, alluding to the strategic choices available to the team. The possibility of Sainz joining the ranks could be a game-changer for Alpine as they aim to climb higher in the constructors cup. Currently positioned eighth, Alpine finds itself ahead of Williams, which is languishing in ninth place, and Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in 2026, which holds the last spot.
The stakes are high, and Gasly’s ambitions are clear. His respect for quick and adept drivers was evident when he remarked, "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’s statements reflect not only his respect for Sainz but also the competitive spirit that drives him and the team.
As the 2024 season progresses, Pierre Gasly’s vocal support for Carlos Sainz's potential move to Alpine highlights the developing narrative within the team. With strategic adjustments and recruitment efforts in full swing, Alpine aims to optimize its lineup for better performance and results in upcoming seasons.