Pierre Gasly is making significant moves behind the scenes, aiming to bring Carlos Sainz to Renault-owned Alpine. With Sainz's imminent departure from Ferrari, a door is opening for the seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to step into the famed Scuderia.
Driver Standings Shake-Up
Currently sitting 15th in the 2024 driver standings, Gasly's position doesn't reflect his influence off the track. His efforts to recruit Sainz could mark a transformative period for Alpine. In contrast, Sainz enjoys a more favorable position at fourth in the standings, making him a highly attractive prospect for the team.
"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 stated, reflecting his commitment to both the team's future and Sainz's potential involvement.
Shifts Within Alpine
Esteban Ocon has announced that he will be leaving Alpine at the end of the year, a move that opens up further opportunities within the team. This significant shift places more importance on Gasly’s recruitment efforts. It also paves the way for internal talents like Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, both currently serving different roles within Alpine – as a reserve driver and a member of the world endurance squad, respectively.
Alpine's Position in the Constructors' Cup
Alpine is currently holding the eighth spot in the constructors' cup, a position that reflects a challenging season. The team is hoping that strategic recruitments and internal promotions will help improve their standing. For context, Williams is in ninth place, while Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in 2026, is positioned last in the constructors' cup.
Gasly remains optimistic about the team's future. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," he said, indicating that bringing in new talent and facilitating the right decisions could see Alpine rise in the ranks.
Timing and Decisions
Sainz commented on the delicate timing of his decision-making process, stating, "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." His words suggest that while the timing of his move might be in flux, the decision-making process across teams remains fluid and interconnected.
Gasly echoed this sentiment when discussing the potential outcomes for Alpine, emphasizing that the final decision is outside his control. "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."
The dynamics within Alpine and the broader Formula 1 landscape are subject to ongoing changes, making each decision impactful. Gasly’s proactive approach in trying to shape Alpine’s driver roster, combined with Sainz’s careful timing, sets the stage for a potentially exciting reshuffle in the coming seasons. For fans and teams alike, these developments are worth watching as they unfold, promising intriguing shifts and competitive drama on and off the track.