Pierre Gasly's Surprising Pick for Alpine's 2025 Partner – You Won't Believe Who It Is
Pierre Gasly has named outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz as his preferred choice to join him at Alpine for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Gasly, currently solidifying his own place within the team, believes Sainz’s wealth of experience and race-winning pedigree make him the ideal candidate to replace Esteban Ocon.
Carlos Sainz: The Right Choice?
Sainz has been the subject of much speculation, with several teams vying for his talents. Sauber, on the brink of its transformation into a works Audi team by 2026, and Williams, looking to partner him with Alex Albon, are both in the mix. Yet, the story took a twist during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, when Alpine emerged as a dark horse in the race for Sainz's signature.
Alpine's recent performance uptick certainly plays a role in its newfound appeal. The Enstone-based outfit is now seen as one of the most competitive options among the teams courting Sainz. Speaking at Silverstone, Gasly commented on the potential of having Sainz as his teammate: “I think it's quite clear; Carlos is the most experienced and most valuable guy out there. I would love to have him next to me next year. He’ll bring a lot to the team and we’ll be a great pairing.”
Sainz’s history as a three-time race winner bolsters his appeal, making him an attractive proposition for Alpine’s strategic goals. However, Gasly acknowledged the team has other viable options, including up-and-comers like Jack Doohan and seasoned drivers like Mick Schumacher.
Alpine's Revival: A Key Consideration
Alpine has seen a significant turnaround this season, climbing from last to eighth in the Constructors' Championship standings. This progression has not gone unnoticed by the likes of Sainz, who is evaluating his options carefully. Gasly praised the team's resilience and strategic approach, stating, “The team did a fantastic job reducing the car's weight at the start of the year, improving small bits and pieces, and focusing on what we can do to be self-objective.”
Gasly highlighted the importance of sticking together and continually seeking improvement, regardless of the disappointments faced early in the season. The team's focus on maximizing every possible opportunity has paid off in securing valuable points in the last four rounds.
Asked about the factors contributing to Alpine's recent success, Gasly responded, “It’s really about understanding where we started and how we can constantly improve. Small tweaks here and there have made a significant impact, and now we’re in a position to challenge for points more consistently.”
What's Next for Alpine?
Looking ahead, Alpine has a clear target: maintaining momentum and continuing on its upward trajectory. Gasly remains optimistic about the team's potential, despite acknowledging the current limitations. “The car is still where it is, and we wish we could add more performance to fight among the top eight. But we're focused on maximizing our current package,” he asserted.
The potential addition of Carlos Sainz could be the catalyst Alpine needs to elevate its status in the F1 hierarchy. While nothing is set in stone, Gasly’s endorsement adds weight to the possibility, creating an intriguing prospect for the 2025 season.
One thing is for sure: the driver line-up at Alpine for 2025 will be pivotal in determining the team's future performance. As the speculation continues to swirl, fans and pundits alike will be watching keenly to see if Gasly’s preferred choice comes to fruition. Stay tuned, as the dynamics of the F1 grid could be on the brink of a major shift.