F1 News: Pierre Gasly Outlines What Needs To Stay With Alpine - "Time Will Tell"

Pierre Gasly has indicated that his continuation with Alpine hinges on the team's ability to effectively address its current struggles. Following a disappointing start to the 2024 season, his future with the team remains uncertain, underpinned by a wait-and-see approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Alpine has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its car concept for 2024, encountering initial obstacles.
• With Gasly's contract drawing to a close, he seeks assurances of the team's competitive edge before deciding on his future.
• Emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and learning, Gasly points to the impending regulation changes as a critical focus for improvement.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season commenced, Alpine faced a significant challenge with its A524 car, leading to substantial revisions in its technical structure following an underwhelming performance in Bahrain. Bruno Famin, the Team Principal, expressed his surprise at the extent of the issues, signalling a period of introspection and strategic adjustment.

Gasly, during the unveiling of the A524, affirmed his belief in Alpine's potential to address these challenges, driven by his ambition to compete for championships. Nonetheless, the immediacy of Alpine's problems and their impact on his performance has been a source of frustration for him. Despite this, the French driver remains focused on the team's capacity for improvement and the collective effort required to effect change.

The matter of Gasly's impending contract expiration adds complexity to the situation. Despite the team's difficulties, he has maintained his competitive drive, adopting a pragmatic stance that weighs his immediate frustrations against his broader career ambitions and the future of the sport.

"I think whether you’re at the end of your contract or start of the contract it’s not a position you want to be in,” he expressed.

“I’m a competitive person, I fight to be at the front, and I don’t think anyone would appreciate that position.

Reflecting on his tenure with Alpine, Gasly reveals a balanced approach to navigating current challenges while keeping an eye on future opportunities. His extensive experience and competitive nature compel him to pursue not only short-term gains but also long-term progress that aligns with his career goals.

“But I’ve been in F1 seven years, it’s not like this will change something over half a season racing in a car that doesn’t perform and give me the potential to be right at the front.

“But [it’s] not really the contractual situation that’s frustration, just being at the back and not being in a position to fight with the guys I want to fight with.”

Alpine's decision to radically overhaul their car concept for 2024 set the stage for a difficult season start. Gasly and teammate Esteban Ocon have openly acknowledged the team's predicament and the steep learning curve ahead. This recognition is crucial, as it frames the team's approach to adaptation and strategy for the remainder of the season.

"Time will tell, I don’t want to really say much," he said.

“I’m here to drive fast and I can see the positive changes but yeah, time will tell.”