Alpine will run a full French lineup in Formula 1 from 2023 after confirming the signing of Pierre Gasly this afternoon. The signing, which has been the talk of the paddock for some time, will see Gasly partner with compatriot Esteban Ocon at the top five outfit.
Shock winner of the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, Gasly will leave AlphaTauri at the conclusion of this season despite still having one year remaining on his contract.
Velocity News reported back in August that the 26-year-old was rumoured to have a release clause in this contract should a higher-placed team come calling.
Red Bull Chief Helmut Marko denied such a clause, stating “There is no exit clause for Gasly. There was none before the summer break and there will be none after the summer break.”
AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost reaffirmed these statements by saying “It makes no sense for Red Bull to let Pierre go. If a Red Bull driver fails, there is no other adequate driver who can step in. Only Gasly can do that.”
That appears to not be the case, the signing freeing up a seat at AlphaTauri in 2023.
The Frenchman confirmed the signing on Twitter this afternoon.
“A new chapter will start in 2023 with Alpine F1 Team,” he posted.
“I am extremely excited to join the team on a multi-year deal and work our way to the top together.
“I’d like to thank RedBull, Honda, and Scuderia AlphaTauri for the last amazing 9 years we’ve had together.
“Let’s keep doing our maximum and enjoy those last five races together,” he concluded.
With the re-signing of Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri for next year, the free seat in place of Gasly was immediately filled, Nyck de Vries announced as the replacement.
De Vries had long been tipped as the favourite for the role, a strong drive when filling in for Williams at the Italian Grand Prix in place of an ill Alex Albon helping his case. He finished ninth in that race, enough to see him sit ahead of full-time driver Nicholas Latifi in the overall standings.
IndyCar driver Colton Herta was initially tipped for the drive, however was unable to attain the appropriate super license.
New Zealander Liam Lawson, the Red Bull reserve driver, was also a slim chance for the role, however may remain in F2 another season to gain vital experience.
Gasly will next be back on track at the Japanese Grand Prix, which begins at 6pm NZ time tomorrow.
