Before the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka last weekend, Alpine made official what had been rumored for a long time: Pierre Gasly is leaving AlphaTauri and will succeed Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon’s new teammate in the coming Formula 1 season.
“It’s incredible. It’s a very special moment in my career,” Gasly commented on the change in an interview with ‘Formula1.com’. “I’m closing a nine-year chapter with Red Bull. My whole career was before Formula 1 at Red Bull, in Formula 1, not only professionally but also personally.”
“It’s all about the brand because it’s so big. It’s a very special moment because I feel like I’m closing a chapter and starting a brand new, very exciting chapter by taking charge of my own life, so to speak and start this new adventure with Alpine.”
The fact that this is a French team makes it emotionally “something very special” for the 26-year-old. He recalls: “There is a special story with Alpine that started when I won my first European Championship with them in the Renault Championship in 2013.”
Gasly: Right time for a fresh start
Even though they have parted ways, Gasly has continued to follow the brand’s work: “How they have developed in recent years, how they got their first win in Budapest last year and how they have progressed season after season.”
He wants to be involved in this in the future. “I just have the feeling that it’s the right step in my career that fits my ambitions and goals,” he explains the timing of the change as perfect and emphasizes: “I’m just very, very excited.”
Gasly has dreamed of being a French driver in a French team for a long time: “Ever since I was a kid and I’ve been following Formula 1, I still remember how Fernando fought for championships with Renault and won them.”
French team has always been the dream
“I was nine years old at the time and that was exactly the moment I said to my parents: ‘What do I have to do to be world champion in Formula 1? Not just to be in Formula 1, but what do you have to do to become world champion?’ You grew up with dreams like that, with that picture in your head.”
“When I got into Formula 1, people asked me: ‘You’re French. Renault will be in Formula 1. Is it one of your dreams to come into this team?’ You always have it in the back of your mind. Emotionally, driving for a French team is something very special,” affirms the future Alpine pilot.
And he reveals: “Alpine is also very close to my home in Normandy, so I can’t wait to get started. As I said, it’s very special and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together . I will do my absolute best for this team.”