Gasly offers olive branch to end 'long story' with Ocon

Pierre Gasly has offered an olive branch to the 'professional' Esteban Ocon after news of his Alpine departure was announced.

It was confirmed in-between the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix that Ocon would be departing the Enstone team after the 2024 season, with it coming after a clash between the two in Monaco, for which Ocon was deemed at fault. 

His contract, like Gasly's, expires at the end of the current season, although the 2021 Hungarian GP winner has described how the mutual agreement was not the sole reason behind his departure. 

Gasly joined Ocon at Alpine ahead of 2023, with the two having grown up together in Northern France go-karting, but their personal relationship is known not to be as strong as it once was, but Gasly has defended Ocon. 

"I'm just taking time to think because I know you guys are going to take every single word that comes out," Gasly began as he spoke to media including RacingNews365.

"It is a long story between Esteban and myself - and for the last year-and-a-half, we've managed to work and cooperate very professionally.

"This is very important to mention as it hasn't always been easy, as you would imagine from two very competitive drivers - but considering the story between us, it has been good. 

"The directives were pretty clear in Monaco, and unfortunately, it is not what happened on track - but I am confident that moving forward, we won't face any issues."

Gasly's own future

Gasly's own two-year contract with Alpine is due for renewal at the end of the current season, with the 2020 Italian GP winner firm that the decision between Ocon and the team has no bearing on his own future.

"To be honest, [it changes] absolutely nothing," he said.

"At the minute, it is quite clear what position I am in, and for the moment with my future, I have nothing to announce. 

"You will know in due time."