Gasly assesses 'disappointing' maiden Alpine F1 season

Pierre Gasly has conceded his first season in Formula 1 with the Alpine team was “slightly disappointing”.

Following several years racing for AlphaTauri, Gasly signed with Alpine for this year's campaign on a multi-year deal.

The Frenchman joined compatriot Esteban Ocon at the squad as the team looked to continue its momentum after finishing sixth in last year's Constructors' Championship.

However it dropped back in the pecking order and concluded the year sixth in the standings, with Gasly ending the Drivers' Championship in 11th.

His highlight of the year came at the Dutch Grand Prix where he scored his first podium with Alpine.

But the A523 car had fluctuating pace during the year and mid-season senior management changes were made amid its disappointing opening half to the campaign.

Gasly pleased with team bond

Despite not having the competitive season he was wishing for, Gasly highlighted that he was pleased with his integration into the team.

“I must say it's tough to say you're pleased with the season you've had when you haven't scored that many points,” Gasly told media including RacingNews365.com.

“I think it's been, objectively, slightly disappointing in terms of the overall performance we've shown, but personally, I'm definitely happy with the step I've made.

“I came into a new team, there was a lot to learn a lot to get used to. And yeah, I felt I managed to step in and just deliver, trying to get everything out of the car, weekend after weekend.

“I obviously wish we would be fighting for better positions.

“But all in all, I feel like we are working very well with the team. We just need a better package and more speed for next year.”