Gasly's Push to Bring Sainz to Alpine Amid Driver Market Shake-Up
The Formula 1 driver market is abuzz with activity, and Pierre Gasly is making a concerted effort to influence some of the landscape's impending changes. Gasly, currently 15th in the 2024 driver standings, has been vocal about his desire to see Carlos Sainz join Renault-owned Alpine. This potential move comes at a time when Sainz's departure from Ferrari appears imminent, paving the way for the legendary Lewis Hamilton to join the iconic team.
Gasly's enthusiasm for Sainz joining Alpine is palpable. He expressed his commitment to the team and his belief in their shared future, saying, "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." The possibility of having Sainz, currently sitting comfortably at fourth in the 2024 driver standings, join Alpine could be a significant boost for a team that is currently eighth in the constructors cup.
Esteban Ocon's announcement of his exit from Alpine at the end of the year adds another layer of complexity to the team's driver lineup. Ocon's departure will undoubtedly leave a void that needs to be filled, and the team is exploring its options. Gasly confidently stated, "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table." Among these options, Sainz stands out as a top-tier choice, thanks to his impressive performance and consistent results.
The potential arrival of Sainz at Alpine is not without its challenges. However, Sainz believes that the timing of his move will not adversely affect other teams' decisions. "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," he remarked. This suggests that Sainz is confident in his abilities and the appeal he holds for any team seeking to strengthen its lineup.
Meanwhile, Jack Doohan, currently serving as a reserve driver for Alpine, and Mick Schumacher, involved with Alpine’s world endurance squad, are also in the mix. Gasly alluded to the depth of talent available to Alpine, emphasizing, "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."
Looking at the broader competitive landscape, Williams finds itself in ninth place out of ten in the constructors cup, while Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in 2026, is positioned last. Alpine's position in the eighth spot indicates the need for strategic moves to climb higher in the rankings. Securing a driver of Sainz’s caliber could be a pivotal step in that direction.
As the driver market continues to evolve, the decisions made by teams and drivers alike will shape the future of the sport. Gasly’s proactive stance in advocating for Sainz’s move to Alpine underscores his commitment to the team and his belief in building a competitive lineup. While the final decisions may not rest in his hands, his efforts highlight the dynamic and interconnected nature of Formula 1's driver market.
Ultimately, as the dust settles on this year's driver shuffle, fans and teams alike will eagerly await the outcomes of these negotiations. The allure of potential transformations within teams keeps the excitement alive, with every decision potentially altering the course of the coming seasons. For now, all eyes are on Alpine and their pursuit of Carlos Sainz, a move that could redefine their fortunes on the track.