Alpine F1 might part ways with French drivers Ocon and Gasly, focusing on technical improvements and global ambitions, says team principal Bruno Famin.
Alpine F1 can thrive even without its current French drivers, insists team principal Bruno Famin.
Although the Renault-owned team shows signs of emerging from a significant performance slump, there is no doubt that Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have explored the driver market… and they are in demand! Audi F1, Haas, and even Williams have shown interest in their services.
Ocon hinted in Imola that he would even accept a one-year contract to drive for his manager Toto Wolff at Mercedes next year, while Gasly is Audi’s plan B if Sainz doesn’t join.
“There is no pressure on us,” said Famin at Imola when asked if he feared losing his drivers.
“We are satisfied with our drivers, but at the moment we want to focus on the technical aspects. We can address the driver issue later.”
He emphasized that having an all-French lineup has never been a priority.
“Alpine’s goal is to become a global brand. We are happy to have a French driver in the team, but we would be just as happy to have drivers of other nationalities.”
Ocon and Gasly are also very experienced F1 drivers, so losing that experience just as Alpine needs to improve would be a blow.
“We are open to everything,” Famin said when asked about this.
“Of course, it’s good to have at least one experienced driver, but we are also happy to give young drivers a chance if the opportunity arises.”
Famin has already stated that Mick Schumacher “is a possibility, like many others” (read here).
Another obvious candidate is reserve driver Jack Doohan, who began an intensive private testing program at Zandvoort that will span several months with a 2022 F1 car.
“I need to cover miles and get used to race weekends. For now, I do my job on track when I get the chance, but also off-track work or in the simulator. That’s all I can do. I hope I’ll be in the car next year. I hope the guys see that I’m giving it my all.”
You may also like>Schumacher to Alpine, Ocon to Williams in 2025?
“I’ve been part of the team for several years, but this year, I’m a full-fledged reserve driver and I’m entirely focused on this program. It would be nice to use this as a springboard.”
“It would mean that these tests and the wait were worth it. That’s what we work towards as drivers.”
Alpine F1 Ready to Ditch French Drivers. Alpine F1 Ready to Ditch French Drivers
- You may also like>Vasseur Focuses on Ferrari’s Immediate Goals
- Following us on Facebook and Twitter
