Alpine confirms first 2025 F1 driver as Gasly learns fate

Pierre Gasly has signed a new contract extension at Alpine to keep him at the team beyond 2025 on a "multi-year deal."

The Frenchman joined from what is now RB ahead of the 2023 season, and banked one podium, in the Dutch Grand Prix, during his maiden season with the team, although '24 has proved more of a struggle.

The A524 car proved overweight, but good work by the team has transformed the machine in being able to fight for the lower reaches of the top 10, with Gasly picking up points finishes in Monaco, Canada and Spain. 

Both Gasly and the contract of team-mate Esteban Ocon were due for renewal after the 2024 season, but Alpine has elected to release Ocon at the end of the year - which comes after he hit Gasly at the Monaco GP, putting himself out of the race.

The identity of Gasly's new team-mate will be announced by the team "in due course" with reserve driver Jack Doohan a strong candidate to make his F1 debut. 

'Long-term' project'

Speaking about the announcement of his new multi-year deal, Gasly explained that he remains "faithful" to the project of building the team. 

"I feel very much at home at this great team. I enjoy being a real part of both the Formula 1 project and the wider Alpine Cars vision," he said. 

"I’ve been officially here for over 18 months and it has always been the plan to build a long-term project with the Team. While on-track it’s been a challenging season so far, I remain faithful to the project and I am not going anywhere.

"I am happy with the changes made, the hard work, and the direction the team is taking.

"There is a lot of potential in this team’s personnel and resources. I’m excited for what is to come in the future and right now I’m focusing on the everyday details that we are putting in to improve our performances."