Gasly Pushes to Bring Sainz to Alpine Amid Major F1 Shakeup
In Formula 1's constantly shifting landscape, Pierre Gasly is making a determined push to bring Carlos Sainz to Renault-owned Alpine, setting the stage for a profound reshuffling of driver seats among top teams. As Sainz prepares to leave Ferrari, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his spot will be filled by none other than Lewis Hamilton. This series of events could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2024 season, with far-reaching repercussions throughout the grid.
The move to Alpine would see Sainz join a team that is eagerly looking to capitalize on the upcoming changes. ”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," Gasly remarked, underscoring his commitment to the French squad. "Now it's up to him to make his own decision."
Gasly’s own performance this year has been a mixed bag, currently placing him 15th in the driver standings for 2024. This contrast starkly with Sainz, who is comfortably sitting in fourth. The potential addition of Sainz could provide the spark Alpine needs, especially as they prepare for the upcoming departure of Esteban Ocon at the end of the year.
Ocon’s exit adds an extra layer of urgency to Gasly’s efforts, as Alpine will need to fill his vacated seat with a capable driver. Jack Doohan is currently serving as a reserve driver for the team, while Mick Schumacher is involved with Alpine’s world endurance squad. With such options available, Gasly feels optimistic about Alpine's future moves. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," he noted.
The broader picture of the constructors' standings paints a challenging scenario for Alpine. The team is currently holding the eighth spot, which leaves much to be desired for a squad with ambitions. Williams, in ninth place, and Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in 2026 and currently positioned last, are both grappling with their own issues. This places additional pressure on Alpine to make strategic decisions that will fortify their lineup and improve their standing.
Despite the stakes, Sainz maintains a level-headed approach to his 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 explained, emphasizing that timing is the critical factor in this complex jockeying for position.
With numerous facets to consider, Gasly remains undeterred in his belief that the team has strong options. "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," he added, keeping the door open for the best possible outcome for Alpine.
The next few weeks promise to be crucial as teams finalize their line-ups and strategies. The addition of Sainz to Alpine, if it comes to fruition, would not only be a significant coup but could also transform the competitive landscape of Formula 1. For Gasly and Alpine, the stakes have never been higher as they navigate this pivotal moment.