Pierre Gasly expresses his readiness to take on a natural leadership role within Alpine’s Formula 1 team, amidst a backdrop of significant changes at Enstone.
Having joined Alpine in 2023, Gasly’s timing coincided with considerable upheaval within the Enstone-based crew, including ongoing senior staff changes this year.
Flavio Briatore returned to assist Renault CEO Luca de Meo, bringing Hitech’s Oliver Oakes aboard as team principal.
Despite these changes and the challenges posed by a non-competitive 2024 car, Gasly remains optimistic about the future, recently extending his contract.
With his teammate Esteban Ocon set to depart Alpine for Haas in 2025, Gasly anticipates stepping into a natural leadership role, a transition he believes is already underway.
“Ultimately, this was something that felt quite organic,” Gasly shares with Autosport. “I’m driven and focused in my work, aiming to be close with those around me. I hold myself to high standards, expecting the same from my colleagues.”
“I don’t think I’ve actively done something special; it all feels quite natural to me. That’s a part of my approach in trying to create unity within the team.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
“Clearly, we’ve fostered a strong atmosphere of trust and efficiency amid our shared goals. The confidence and mutual trust have only grown since my first season, and we’re both recognizing the hard work we’re putting in.”
Gasly notes that Alpine has provided him with the necessary flexibility to thrive, honoring his need for autonomy.
“The team has done well to afford me the freedom and openness required to build that initial trust, with clear channels of communication regarding our working styles and preferences, allowing us to find a balanced environment,” he explains.
“I tend to ask a lot of questions — I’m someone who values information and understanding our processes and decisions regarding the car.”
“They’ve been open and honest in that regard, regularly reflecting on how we can improve.”
“As a driver, I thrive with my personal space and need a certain amount of freedom. I think everyone has unique personalities in the paddock, but having that space to perform my best, both on and off the track, is crucial, and the team has been supportive of that.”
Building Long-Term Bonds
At the end of June, Gasly decided to remain with Alpine while keeping the 2026 regulations in mind. Regardless of who his future teammate will be—Jack Doohan is a popular choice—it’s vital for him to unify the team, cultivating enduring relationships akin to those seen with Michael Schumacher at Ferrari or Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
“It’s not hard to see why drivers like Lewis [Hamilton] maintain long-term relationships with their race engineers; they build trust and a communication dynamic where everyone feels comfortable sharing, whether it’s good or bad,” he explains.
Pierre Gasly, Alpine A524
Photo by: Alpine
“Throughout the season, there are moments that compel you to make the right choice or adjustment since they truly comprehend your needs, helping extract those final few hundredths of performance.”
“The current circumstances are challenging. Last year didn’t meet our expectations, but we still achieved three podium finishes as a team. This year is clearly more demanding for them.”
“It isn’t enjoyable personally to be underperforming, but I genuinely recognize the hard work they are putting in.”
“I’m confident that with our current mentality, we will see a turnaround and unlock the team’s performance.”
