Pierre Gasly dismisses Alpine’s leadership chaos, emphasizes team stability

Pierre Gasly Dismisses Concerns Over Alpine Team Upheaval

French Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has shrugged off concerns about recent upheaval within the Renault-owned Alpine team, insisting that operations remain steady despite visible leadership and driver changes. Gasly conveyed confidence during Thursday's press briefing at Imola, ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, making it clear that the team's focus is firmly on forward momentum.

Leadership Shake-Up at Alpine

Alpine underwent significant turnover following last week’s Miami Grand Prix, with team principal Oliver Oakes stepping down abruptly due to personal reasons. This marked yet another shake-up for the team, which has become accustomed to turbulence at the top. The seasoned Flavio Briatore, who previously held the role of team principal with Renault, has returned to assume Oakes’ responsibilities. At 75, Briatore becomes Alpine’s sixth team boss in five seasons.

Driver Lineup Reshuffling

Compounding the changes further, the team announced a reshuffling of its driver lineup. Australian rookie Jack Doohan has been relegated to reserve duties, with Argentine Franco Colapinto stepping in for a minimum of five races, starting at Imola.

Gasly’s Optimism Amid Instability

Despite the headlines highlighting instability, Gasly spoke optimistically about the state of affairs and dismissed any notions of internal strife.

“I went to the factory on Tuesday [last week], Wednesday I was working in the simulator, I was with Flavio when all the announcements were made,” Gasly recounted. “It’s big news, but the business and what we’ve got to do as individuals doesn’t change.”

Gasly, who has contributed all seven of Alpine’s points this season, emphasized that the vision and approach within the team remain intact.

“There is no trouble within the team, there is no disagreement between anyone in the team. The vision and the directions always remain the same as they were before Miami and after Miami,” he stated.

The 27-year-old further noted that recent headlines have overshadowed the positives occurring behind the scenes at Alpine, a team that currently ranks ninth out of 10 constructors in the standings.

“The headlines are not showing any of the good work that we’re seeing, or that I’m seeing, at the factory or even within the racing team,” he explained. “For me, it’s important to keep the guys focusing on the actual work we are doing behind closed doors, because that’s really good.”

Future Under Briatore’s Leadership

Gasly remains optimistic about Alpine’s future under Briatore’s leadership.

“Flavio has brought a lot with him, and ... I think the directions are very clear,” he said. “We’ll see some rewards and dividends over the next few weeks and months, and I’m very hopeful for next season. But I think it’s just important that we move on from this special week and focus on business as usual.”

Resetting for Imola

To recharge ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Gasly took a brief golfing retreat in Scotland, looking to reset and prepare for the challenge ahead. With Briatore now in charge and Colapinto earning a temporary seat, the team is poised to navigate its season with a mix of determination and recalibration.

Eyes on Performance

As Alpine looks to climb from its current ninth-place standing, all eyes will be on the team this weekend to see if the recent changes will trigger a shift in performance. For Gasly, however, the focus appears firmly rooted in consistency and long-term development.

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