Alpine leadership, under Renault Group chairman Luca de Meo and managing director Laurent Rossi, is trying to recover after a season of missteps that saw Fernando Alonso depart and Oscar Piastri, the F2 champion of 2021, leave as well. The French team believes they still have room to replace the two-time Spanish champion in 2024 and rebuild for the next phase of competition.
Piastri, who will make his high-level debut alongside Alonso and McLaren, will race for Aston Martin next season. The decision to depart Alpine came amid reports of a lack of affection and commitment in negotiations, with money playing a central role as Alpine’s leadership shifted focus. Regardless, Alpine must look to the future and pursue the driver who best aligns with the team’s long-term interests.
Laurent Rossi has not forgotten the setback. The goal remains clear: to be as competitive as possible over the next 100 races, and the chosen driver must fit that plan. In a statement quoted on the F1 website, Esteban Ocon hinted that by late September or early October a partner for the driver would be announced, given that Ocon has a contract in place until 2024.
“There will be bumps in the road. I’m not naive; I know there will be tough times. The plan is to keep moving forward. We sit as the fourth-best team on the grid, and our seats are in high demand. That’s a positive sign. We will take our time,” said the Alpine Cars chief, outlining the criteria for the selected driver.
“We need someone who can help develop the team, improve the car, and score points consistently from the outset. The driver must be sufficiently experienced and effective, contribute directly to the standings, and enjoy good rapport with the team. Those are the essential criteria,” Rossi added.
Gasly and other candidates
The top name on the list to replace Alonso in 2023 is Frenchman Pierre Gasly. Red Bull reportedly wishes to end Gasly’s contract, but only if IndyCar star Colton Herta of California secures his F1 Super License to take his place at AlphaTauri.
For seasoned drivers who meet Alpine’s profile and can score points from the start, two other options present themselves: Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hülkenberg. The Australian did not thrive during his stint with Renault, while the German spent three seasons away from F1, stepping in as a reserve on occasions. Despite the iconic surname and Ocon’s endorsement, Mick Schumacher has encountered less favorable fortune.
Among promising but less experienced candidates, Jack Doohan, a member of the Alpine Academy who shines in F2 this year, stands out. Dutch talent Nyck de Vries also joins the conversation after a memorable F1 debut as an emergency substitute for Ocon and Alex Albon, who underwent appendicitis surgery in Monza last Sunday.
As Rossi explained, the selection process is overseen by Alpine director Otmar Szafnauer. “We evaluate all drivers, talk with them, assess options, and possibly arrange tests. It will be a lengthy process. The aim is to make the right decision, and there is no rush. We will see how things unfold at the end of the month.” He added, “All options are on the table. There are 14 drivers in consideration. The next step is to narrow that list to three or four names.”
Racing News 365 reported that four drivers would participate in a test with Alpine at the Hungaroring ahead of the next Singapore Grand Prix. The contenders are Nyck De Vries, Jack Doohan, Colton Herta, and Mick Schumacher.
Speaking with motorsport, Rossi addressed the possibility of promoting Jack Doohan directly. He acknowledged Doohan’s exceptional timing and raw speed but emphasized that maturity and track performance must grow in a context with less pressure. Rossi suggested that a young driver often benefits from a step back to a team where performance pressure is more manageable. He cited examples like George Russell at Williams and Charles Leclerc in his early F1 days to illustrate how a patient development path can pay off. Rossi clarified that Doohan remains under consideration, noting the impressive form that Doohan currently exhibits and the potential seen by Alpine, even as the team evaluates the best route for his development. The message was clear: a measured progression can be the most effective route for turning evident talent into sustained success on the F1 stage.”