Pierre Gasly will also drive for AlphaTauri next season, the F1 team confirmed on Friday. The Frenchman puts an end to speculation about a possible switch to another team with his contract extension.
Rumors started flowing after Sergio Perez’s contract extension with Red Bull Racing, ruling out a return of Gasly to the top team in the near term. That could have been a reason for the driver to leave AlphaTauri and with it the Red Bull program.
The 26-year-old Gasly has been driving for the Italian racing stable, which was then still called Toro Rosso, since 2017. He got a chance at Red Bull in 2019 as a teammate of Max Verstappen. But the top team decided to send him back to Toro Rosso halfway through the season and replace him with Alexander Albon.
Two years ago at AlphaTauri, Gasly reached his absolute peak in a chaotic race at Monza, taking his first Formula 1 victory. In addition, the Frenchman was also on the podium in Azerbaijan (third) last year and at the Brazilian GP in 2019 (second).
“We are very pleased to confirm that Pierre will stay with us in 2023,” team boss Franz Tost said in a statement on Friday. “During his time with us, he has shown what he is capable of and is definitely one of the best and most competitive drivers in Formula 1.”
Pierre Gasly had his peak at Monza.
Pierre Gasly had his peak at Monza. Photo: Getty Images
Gasly: ’Proud of the journey we have made’
This year, Gasly is experiencing a difficult season for the time being. He has accumulated 16 points so far, taking 11th place in the World Cup standings. In total, Gasly drove 95 Grands Prix in Formula 1. He took 325 points.
“I’ve been with this team for five years now and I’m proud of the journey we’ve taken and the progress we’ve made,” Gasly said proudly of the extension.
“This year’s regulations have created new challenges for us. To be able to continue the development with the team over the next 18 months, this is a good foundation.”
It is not yet clear who will be Gasly’s teammate in 2023. This season, Yuki Tsunoda is driving the other AlphaTauri. The Japanese is in his second season after a difficult debut year.