Pierre Gasly was able to move to the Alpine F1 team in 2023, but at first it seemed unlikely that he would get out of his contract with Red Bull F1.
Pierre Gasly is making an interesting move from AlphaTauri to Alpine F1 for 2023. His former Red Bull racing protégé joins his factory team for the first time.
Pierre Gasly, who grew up in Red Bull, has been active in F1 for six years, but will not be part of the Red Bull family in his seventh F1 season.
Pierre Gasly moves to the Alpine F1 team to race Esteban Ocon. For Gasly, who finished ninth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 and 14th as a driver, joining the Alpine F1 team in fourth place could be the right move.
At the time, Pierre Gasly’s Red Bull/AlphaTauri contract was up until the end of 2023, but Red Bull Racing seats were given to Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with other attractive spots on the grid. Gasly seemed to have nowhere to go in the uncompetitive AlphaTauri, as was also occupied.
But that was until Fernando Alonso announced his departure from the Alpine F1 team.
“I knew Red Bull wanted to keep me and I knew it would not be easy to have a conversation with Helmut Marko, but luckily he knew how important this step was for me. They understand,” said Pierre Gasly in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
But Pierre Gasly admits he is pragmatic and that talks between the Alpine F1 team and Red Bull weren’t going to get hot any time soon, as they could go either way.
“I had a contract for 2023. It seemed like there was little chance of getting out of the contract, but you can always talk about it and see what is possible.”
Things started to change as Red Bull F1 motorsport adviser Helmut Marko appeared open to negotiations.
“It was an important change in my career,” said Gasly.
“Over the past few years, I think I’ve played my part well at Red Bull and AlphaTauri. Helmut has recognized that and understood me.”
The talks held ended in a win-win situation. Red Bull reached an agreement with Alpine to recoup its investment in Aire Guthrie, Alpine strengthened the team with a second French driver and Gasly made a crucial move from the Red Bull family to the factory team.
“I see great potential,” said Gasly.
“This is where I want to be and where I want to stay in the future. Factory teams. I know I always get the best material from them. There aren’t that many factory teams. It’s right for me as a driver. I think it’s time
Category: F1 / Pierre Guthrie / red bull / Alpha Tauri / Alpine