Gasly's Bold Move: Sainz to Alpine?
The 2024 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of dramatic shifts and potential game-changing moves. Among the most talked-about storylines is Pierre Gasly's determined effort to bring Carlos Sainz to Alpine, a team owned by Renault. This maneuver comes amidst a backdrop of high-stakes changes, not just within Alpine but across the paddock.
Scuderia Ferrari, one of the most storied teams on the grid, appears set to part ways with Carlos Sainz, paving the way for none other than seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Sainz's impending departure from Maranello is not just a significant career step for the Spanish driver but also a strategic opportunity for Alpine.
Currently, Gasly is positioned 15th in the 2024 driver standings, a placement that doesn't quite reflect his ambition or potential. His advocacy for Sainz to join Alpine stems from a belief in the team's future projects. "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 remarked.
Indeed, Sainz, who enjoys a comfortable fourth position in the same driver standings, acknowledges the complexity and timing of his decision. "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," Sainz stated, emphasizing the fluid nature of team strategies in F1.
Meanwhile, Alpine finds itself in a state of flux. Esteban Ocon has already announced his decision to leave the team at the end of the year. This exit inevitably creates a vacancy, one that Sainz’s experience and consistency could aptly fill. Pierre Gasly remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. "I think Alpine, the team has good options on the table," he mentioned, signaling confidence in the choices ahead.
Despite the anticipation, Gasly himself acknowledges the ultimate decision is beyond 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," he conceded, highlighting the competitive nature of team selections in F1.
Longtime reserve driver Jack Doohan stands as one of these options, waiting in the wings for his breakthrough into a full-time seat. Additionally, Mick Schumacher's involvement with Alpine's world endurance squad brings yet another capable driver into the conversation, creating a wealth of choice for the team’s management.
In the broader constructors' standings, Alpine currently holds eighth position, sandwiched between Williams and Sauber. Williams is struggling in ninth place, while Sauber, set to rebrand as Audi in 2026, finds itself anchored at the bottom. This context underscores the urgent need for Alpine to reinforce its driver lineup to climb the ranks.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the maneuvering behind the scenes promises to shape the future of the teams involved. The potential arrival of Carlos Sainz at Alpine could mark a significant turning point, both for the team’s fortunes and for the broader competitive landscape of Formula 1.