Alpine is searching for a new driver to join Pierre Gasly in 2025, narrowing it down to three candidates.
- Esteban Ocon is set to leave Alpine by the end of the season, ending his five-year run with the team.
- Among the candidates, Carlos Sainz appears to be the frontrunner, according to Gasly.
- Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher are also in the running, bringing their own skills and familiarity with the team.
- Gasly emphasizes the importance of experience and competition in choosing his future teammate.
Alpine is in the midst of sorting out its driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Esteban Ocon preparing to bid farewell. As the team gears up for this transition, it has shortlisted three potential candidates: Carlos Sainz, Jack Doohan, and Mick Schumacher. Of these, Pierre Gasly has voiced his preference for Sainz, citing his vast experience and recent tenure with leading teams like Ferrari and McLaren.
Ocon’s impending departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Alpine, where he has spent the past five years. With his exit confirmed, speculation swirled around who might fill his shoes. Gasly, however, has made his stance clear by signing a new multi-year extension with Alpine, thereby dismissing any conjecture about his future in the team.
While the spotlight shines brightly on Sainz, Gasly acknowledges the potential that Doohan and Schumacher could bring to the team. Doohan has already been involved with Alpine as a reserve driver, participating in at least two FP1 sessions. Schumacher, a competitor in Alpine’s World Endurance Championship team, sees this as a potential re-entry to the F1 grid. Their familiarity with the team dynamics adds a layer of comfort, yet Gasly cannot overlook Sainz’s extensive experience.
Gasly’s remarks about Sainz being the ‘best option’ are grounded in his belief that experience plays a crucial role in advancing team performance. He points out that having a teammate with a background in top-tier teams can be invaluable. Even so, he remains optimistic about the potential contributions of Doohan and Schumacher. “Honestly, at the end of the day I’ll be happy no matter what. You know as a competitive person, I want the most competitive out there next to me and to push the team,” Gasly shared.
Currently, Alpine stands eighth in the Constructors’ Championship with a streak of four consecutive top-ten finishes, signaling a promising trajectory. As the team solidifies its lineup, the focus remains on selecting a driver who can seamlessly fit into this upward momentum. With three strong contenders, the final decision will likely hinge on who can bring the most competitive edge to the table.
Alpine’s future hinges on choosing a strong teammate for Pierre Gasly in the 2025 season.
