Both drivers from Alpine have had a challenging beginning to the 2024 season.
Both Alpine drivers are waiting to commit their F1 futures to the team, with both Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon weighing up their options while working “flat out” to improve their current fortunes on track.
Alpine began the year positioned at the rear of the pack, with Gasly acknowledging that the A524 had a less than ideal start. However, at the recent Miami race, Ocon secured the team’s inaugural point of the season, marking their gradual progress towards the midfield.
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon discuss their F1 futures with Alpine
David Sanchez has returned to “Team Enstone” as the executive technical director after a brief time with McLaren. This signing is crucial for the team, as they aim to enhance their performance on race weekends by restructuring their off-track operations.
Gasly revealed that he will consider the upcoming 2026 regulation changes when choosing his next contract, especially since both Gasly and Ocon’s contracts will expire at the end of the season, leaving several open seats on the grid.
Admitting that the current car has lacked strength, he assured that the team is exerting maximum efforts to swiftly regain competitiveness.
Gasly informed the media in Miami, “Indeed, the team has made a few commendable signings.”
In my opinion, the overarching idea is that we are aware the car was not well designed from the start. It is a fact that there are certain years where the car performs well, while in others, it simply falls short.
I believe the key factor lies in our ability to respond to it. It may require some time, and I don’t anticipate a significant transformation in a brief period. Nevertheless, I believe we have gathered sufficient data to accurately identify what is effective and what is not.
After considering the current season and its possibilities, as well as the upcoming year and the significant task of developing a completely new car for ’26, it becomes crucial to determine the approach we will take to address these challenges.
There are numerous factors to take into account, but I am able to observe all the processes that occur at the factory. Ultimately, I understand that it will require time, but it is crucial that we take action and not remain content with our current state, which is lacking competitiveness.
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Alpine is also one of the factory engine teams participating in the F1 2026 grid under Renault. When questioned about the significance of the team’s power unit progress in determining his future destination, Gasly promptly acknowledged its importance.
Gasly replied, “It would be foolish to not take a look at it.”
I think it’s quite clear that this is of utmost importance, particularly in the current moment, as I contemplate the future and strive to secure a competitive vehicle for myself.
Clearly, I am aware of the progress being made, but it is not my current focus. My main objective is to maximize the potential of our current situation. However, I am closely monitoring the situation at the factory.
For Ocon, he retains links to Mercedes through his management – and clarified earlier in the season he is still on the Silver Arrows’ books as a junior driver.
Ocon avoided making any definite commitments when asked about his plans for the 2025 season and beyond, considering the available vacancy at the team and other opportunities in the grid. However, he emphasized his determination to push Alpine to its limits in the present time.
Ocon expressed, “The future is unpredictable. I’m fully dedicated to working alongside the team.”
Ever since I got involved in that project, I have always had a strong belief in it. I made the decision to sign a three-year contract three years ago, and I had my reasons for doing so.
“In the present, I am focusing on each race individually and will wait to see what unfolds in the future.”
“There’s a shift happening. The recent addition of David Sanchez to the team signifies a conscious effort to bring about change. It’s clear that this team is dissatisfied with our current situation and determined to improve.”
In this year, we have unfortunately witnessed regression instead of progress, and it is imperative that we strive to move forward instead.
The board, Renault, and all the team members are competitors who strive to excel. It’s personally important for me to acknowledge this drive and push towards the forefront, instead of settling for the current situation.
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