New Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore seems to have revealed that Pierre Gasly will be one of the drivers for the Alpine team in the 2025 F1 season. This news has created quite a buzz in the paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, as Briatore aims to elevate Alpine’s performance.
With two seats available for the 2025 season, Gasly’s continuation with the team has been hinted by Briatore himself. The French driver remains without a contract, while Esteban Ocon has been confirmed to be leaving the team. Briatore, in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, mentioned that the driver lineup for 2025 is not a top priority at the moment. Instead, the main focus is on improving the competitiveness of the car.
Briatore emphasized the need to enhance the car’s performance before finalizing the driver lineup, as a fast and reliable car is crucial for any driver to excel on the track. While Gasly is set to remain with the team in the short term, Briatore mentioned that there is a list of potential candidates for the second seat. Although he did not disclose any names, he hinted that there are promising young drivers being considered for the role.
The decision to bring Briatore back to Alpine has been met with mixed reactions in the F1 community, especially considering his controversial past involvement in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix Crashgate scandal. Some have questioned the appropriateness of his return to F1 in an advisory capacity due to his history.
When asked about his return and the reasons behind it, Briatore expressed his eagerness to take on the challenge of reviving the Alpine team. He cited his experience in team-building and his passion for the sport as driving forces behind his decision to return. Despite the long hiatus from F1, Briatore believes that he can contribute to the team’s success and help them reach their full potential under the guidance of the team president.
As Briatore aims to steer Alpine back towards the top of the grid, his return marks a new chapter for the team with the promise of exciting developments on the horizon. The focus on enhancing the car’s performance and nurturing young talent reflects a strategic approach to securing Alpine’s competitive edge in the upcoming seasons. With Gasly’s presence confirmed for 2025, the anticipation for the announcement of his teammate continues to build among fans and the F1 community alike.