Alpine leadership, led by Renault Group chairman Luca de Meo and managing director Laurent Rossi, tries to get out of the swamp after losing repeatedly Fernando Alonso and backup driver Oscar PiastriF2 champion in 2021 and what the French believe are in room to replace the two-time Spanish champion in 2024.
Piastri, who will make his first class debut with both Alonso and McLaren, who will race for Aston Martin next season, have made their decision to leave Alpine. ‘lack of love and commitment’ both identified in their negotiations, that money was the most important thing when their leader slipped. Regardless, Alpine must look to the future and search the market for the best possible driver or the driver that best suits their interests.
Laurent Rossi does not forget this They set their goal to be competitive at the maximum in 100 races. and emphasizes that the pilot they are looking for must comply with this plan. In a statement to the F1 website, Esteban predicts that at the end of September or early October, he hopes Ocon’s partner will decide: It has a contract that is in effect until 2024.
“There will be bumps in the road. I’m not stupid, I know there will be tough times. The idea is to keep moving forward. We are the fourth best team on the grid and our seat is in high demand. That’s good. we will take our time“, says the director of Alpine Cars, explaining what requirements the selected driver must meet.
“We need someone to help us develop the team, improve the car. We need a driver. sufficiently experienced and effective, who add points directly and also who are good friends with the team. Those are the criteria we’re looking for,” says Rossi.
Gasly and other candidates
Number one on the list to sack Alonso in 2023 this is french Pierre Gasley. Red Bull wants to remove you from your contractbut on the condition that IndyCar star Colton Herta of California obtain his F1 Super License to take his place at AlphaTauri.
For experienced pilots who fit the profile Alpine demands, and who can score points from the first races, there are two more options: Daniel Ricciardo Y Nico Hulkenberg. The Australian driver did not travel well during his time at Renault, and the German was out of F1 for three seasons, occasionally taking part in some races as a reserve. Despite having the famous surname and Ocon’s endorsement, Mick Schumacher seems to have less luck.
Among the candidates who are considered promising but inexperienced, Jack Doohan, who belongs to Alpine Academy and stands out in F2 this year, stands out. entered the stage Dutch Nyck de VriesHe made a spectacular debut in F1 as an emergency backup for Ocon and Alex Albon, who had the same manager at Monza last Sunday, undergoing appendicitis surgery.
As explained by Rossi, the selection process is overseen by Alpine director Otmar Szafnauer. “It looks at all drivers, discusses with them, evaluates options, evaluates them here, potentially in tests.. It will be a process that will take some time. We want to make the right decision and we are in no rush. Let’s see how things go at the end of the month.” “All that is available. And that’s 14 drivers. Now we need to narrow that down to three or four names.”He pointed.
Racing News 365 has announced on this topic that four drivers will participate in a test with Alpine at the Hungaroring track before the next Singapore Grand Prix (October 2). These are Nyck De Vries, Jack Doohan, Colton Herta and Mick Schumacher.
Speaking to motorsport, Rossi seems to reject the direct ascension of the son of five-time 500cc champion Mick Doohan: “Jack has a very good sense of timing because he’s performing tremendously right now. To be honest, we already knew he was.” too fast. , the raw speed it has, but it has gained a lot in maturity. It looks on the track, but also outside of it. Our conversations are impressive. I think something clicked on it; took a step, that’s really good. But for what it’s worth, we believe the best way for a young driver is to go to a team with a little less pressure to perform. I’d rather you damage your first wing elsewhere; Since the step from F2 to F1 is big, it finds its limits in a new car. That’s what everybody on other teams does. That’s why George Russell spent years at Williams despite his incredible talent. Or Charles Leclerc in Alfa Romeo… everyone needs a year or two to hone their skills on a great machine that is much faster than F2. So that’s Jack’s plan. This does not mean that we do not consider him, because his form is impressive. We’re reading it.”