Pierre Gasly is on a mission to shake up the Formula 1 grid by encouraging Carlos Sainz to join him at Alpine, a team owned by Renault. With whispers of Sainz's exit from Ferrari gaining momentum—especially given the rumors linking Lewis Hamilton to his soon-to-be-vacant seat—the landscape of the sport is poised for significant changes.
Gasly's Campaign
Gasly's enthusiasm for bringing Sainz to Alpine is palpable. "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," he shared. His dedication to the team and its future projects highlights the Frenchman's commitment to steering Alpine toward a brighter future.
Sainz, positioned comfortably at fourth in the current 2024 driver standings, would undoubtedly bolster Alpine’s competitiveness. In contrast, Gasly sits in 15th place, underlining the potential impact someone of Sainz's caliber might have. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," Gasly added, signaling that the team is spoilt for choice as they look to revamp their driver lineup.
Shifting Dynamics
The potential moves within the paddock are not limited to just Alpine. Esteban Ocon has confirmed his departure from the team at the end of the year, further energizing the driver market. Meanwhile, Jack Doohan continues to serve as a reserve driver for Alpine, and Mick Schumacher is involved with the team’s world endurance squad, showcasing the depth of talent within the organization.
Sainz, confident in his future regardless of the team colors he sports, reflected on the situation, 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 composed outlook suggests he is ready for the challenges ahead, whether at Ferrari or another top team like Alpine.
Constructors' Standings
The constructors' standings this season paint a stark picture of the performance disparities among teams. Alpine is currently holding the eighth spot in the constructors' championship, a position they certainly aspire to improve. Williams, another historic team, is ninth, struggling to climb up the standings. In a turn of events, Sauber, soon to rebrand as Audi in 2026, finds itself at the bottom of the table.
Gasly remains optimistic about Alpine's prospects, both in terms of driver talent and team performance. "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," Gasly remarked, acknowledging the uncertainty but remaining hopeful about the acquisition of a top-tier driver.
Looking Ahead
As Formula 1 approaches a new era with prospective driver moves and team rebrandings, the stakes have never been higher. For Gasly, Sainz, and Alpine, the decisions made in the coming months could redefine their positions on the grid and, ultimately, their place in the sport's history.