“The story continues,” Pierre Gasly signs a multi-year contract extension amidst Esteban Ocon’ future up in the air 

Pierre Gasly has been with Alpine since the start of the 2023 season.

“The story continues,” Pierre Gasly signs a multi-year contract extension amidst Esteban Ocon’ future up in the air 

Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon (via IMAGO)

Alpine F1 driver, Pierre Gasly has announced that he’ll be staying with the Enstone-based team after signing a multi-year contract. Gasly joined Alpine at the start of 2023 after moving from Red Bull’s sister team, RB (AlphaTauri).

Earlier this season, rumors were generated around the driver contracts of Alpine, with some suggesting that the team was not keen on offering Pierre Gasly an extension. However, such speculations have now been put to bed after the French driver signed a new deal, keeping him on the team at least until 2026.

YouTube video

Gasly has scored only a single podium since joining Alpine and has been unable to perform to the best of his abilities due to issues with the car. The French outfit started this season on a poor note but has shown signs of rejuvenation after delivering encouraging performances in Montreal and Barcelona.

FS Video
The story continues. Very proud to announce I have signed a new contract with AlpineF1Team to continue our journey together and reach our common ambitions in Formula 1. Lot of work ahead of us, but I’m more motivated than ever to deliver my absolute best to the team. Full gas!
Pierre Gasly tweeted via X

Alpine now remains with one seat to fill for the coming season after the team announced that Esteban Ocon would be parting ways at the end of this year. Hence, while Alpine searches for a second driver for their squad for the upcoming season, Esteban Ocon remains without a team on the grid until a further decision is ruled in favor of the French driver.

F1 pundit claims Flavio Briatore is going to sell Alpine F1 team

F1 pundit, Joe Saward has bashed Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore for his intentions after the Italian was reappointed by the team last week. Briatore was banned from F1 for 15 years after the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Flavio Briatore
Flavio Briatore, via IMAGO
My conclusion is that he is there to sell Alpine (the whole car division) within a couple of years after he has tried to increase its value. Hopefully, he won’t be telling drivers to crash this time.
Joe Saward wrote in his green notebook

Briatore guided Alpine to several accolades and the team flourished under this leadership, which was rumored to involve a plethora of backhanded tactics and strategies by the Italian. The FIA then imposed a lifetime ban on Briatore but was exempted from the same in 2010.

Since Briatore’s return to the grid, several people have been skeptical of the Italian’s ambitions with the team this time around. The controversial businessman has however confirmed that he would not be taking the role of the team principal but will remain as an advisor for all the decisions within the team on the grid.

In case you missed it: