Pierre Gasly joins Esteban Ocon in all-French Alpine line-up; Nyck de Vries confirmed at Alpha Tauri
Pierre Gasly will join Esteban Ocon in an all-French line-up at Alpine from 2023 while Dutchman Nyck de Vries replaces him at Alpha Tauri.
The double move follows Fernando Alonso’s decision to leave Alpine for Aston Martin after they failed to meet his demands for a new deal.
Gasly leaves Red Bull for the first time in his career after it agreed to release him from his contract.
De Vries makes his full-time Formula 1 debut after years on its fringes.
Gasly, 26, said he was “delighted to begin this new chapter in my F1 career”.
“Driving for a team that has French roots is something very special,” he said. “I know the strengths of Alpine having raced against them over the past couple of years and, clearly, their progress and ambition is very impressive.”
Gasly and Ocon become the first entirely French driver line-up in F1 since 1994.
The two have a long history – not always cordial. Both from Normandy, they were childhood friends in their early years in karting but then fell out. Gasly said four years ago: “I started to beat him and he didn’t like it so we’re not friends any more.”
Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said Alpine had discussed the plan with Ocon before committing to Gasly.
Szafnauer said: “Esteban was very supportive, Pierre as well. They’re professionals. And they have no issue we’re working together. And hopefully the friendship will rekindle – they were friends at one point. But from a professional perspective, they’re both very happy to work with each other.”
De Vries, the 2021 champion of the all-electric Formula E series and Mercedes reserve driver, emerged as a candidate for Red Bull’s sister team after their attempts to recruit IndyCar star Colton Herta failed.
The American, who has tested for McLaren this season, does not qualify for an F1 driver super-licence and governing body the FIA refused to allow him an exception despite Red Bull’s request.
De Vries, 27, convinced Red Bull he was the right driver to replace Gasly with an impressive F1 debut for Williams as a stand-in for Alex Albon at the Italian Grand Prix last month.
De Vries, the 2019 Formula 2 champion, stepped in at the last minute when the British-born Thai was hospitalised with appendicitis and came home in ninth place.
De Vries said: “After Formula 2, I took a slightly different path with motorsport, but F1 has always been my dream and I’m grateful to be able to fulfil it.
“I’ve had a lot of chances to experience the 2022 car this year and I think that has put me in a great position for the upcoming season, I hope this has helped to prepare me for what is to come.”
He joins Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who was confirmed as continuing with Alpha Tauri next season last month.
