Gasly’s Bold Move: Sainz to Alpine?
Pierre Gasly is on a mission to bring his close friend and fellow driver, Carlos Sainz, to Renault-owned Alpine. With Sainz's departure from Ferrari imminent to make room for Lewis Hamilton, the stage is set for a significant reshuffle in the Formula 1 landscape.
Currently, Gasly finds himself at 15th in the 2024 driver standings, a less-than-stellar position as he aims for substantial improvements next season. His enthusiasm to have Sainz, who is performing remarkably well in fourth place, join him at Alpine is evident: “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 noted.
Sainz shares some of Gasly’s optimism, albeit with caution. “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,” emphasized Sainz, making it clear that while the timing of his decisions might shift, the fundamental choices remain unaffected.
Ocon’s Exit and Alpine’s Prospects
Esteban Ocon's exit from Alpine at the end of the year adds another layer of complexity to the team’s decisions. This departure leaves a vacancy that Gasly believes Sainz could fill exceptionally well. Jack Doohan, currently serving as a reserve driver for Alpine, and Mick Schumacher, who is involved with Alpine’s world endurance squad, are also in the conversation for future roles. Gasly is confident about the situation: “I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table.”
Gasly’s sentiment reflects the possibilities open to Alpine. “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."
Alpine’s Position in the Constructors' Cup
Alpine currently holds the eighth spot in the constructors' cup, a position requiring significant improvement. The addition of a high-caliber driver like Sainz could be the catalyst for the turnaround they desperately need. For context, Williams finds itself in ninth place out of ten, while Sauber, soon to rebrand as Audi in 2026, is positioned last. Sauber's upcoming transition may inject new vigor into a struggling team, but it's too early to tell how their future will unfold.
Looking Forward
The Formula 1 grid in 2024 witnesses a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans jockeying for positions that could define their careers. Gasly's willingness to advocate for Sainz’s transition to Alpine underscores not only his commitment to his team but also their shared belief in Alpine’s vision. Whether Sainz will heed Gasly's call and join him at Alpine remains uncertain, but the potential for such a move is tantalizing.
The dynamic changes within Alpine, combined with strategic driver placements, could redefine the team's standing in the next season. Gasly’s strategic advocacy for Sainz and Ocon’s announced exit make this an intriguing period for Alpine and the broader world of Formula 1. Fans and pundits alike await the decisions that will shape the forthcoming season, eager to see how these moves will impact the competitive landscape.