Alpine have announced the signing of Pierre Gasly for next season, with Nyck De Vries confirmed as his replacement at AlphaTauri.
Gasly has signed a multi-year deal at Alpine, partnering Esteban Ocon in an all-French lineup.
Despite previously announcing it had retained Gasly for 2023, AlphaTauri have allowed the 26-year-old to move to the Renault-owned team and end a six-year period with the Red Bull family in F1.
He famously won the Italian Grand Prix for Faenza-based squad in 2020, 12 months after returning to the team for a second stint following a difficult half-season alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
“I am delighted to join the Alpine family and begin this new chapter in my Formula 1 career,” said Gasly. “Driving for a team that has French roots is something very special. I know the strengths of Alpine having raced against them over the past couple of years and, clearly, their progress and ambition is very impressive.”
The move ends weeks of speculation as to who would replace Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso at Alpine.
The Enstone team initially announced following the Hungarian Grand Prix in July that its junior driver Oscar Piastri would fill the seat, but the Australian had already signed a contract with McLaren, a deal that was later upheld by F1’s Contract Recognition Board.
“I’m very happy that Pierre will be joining the team for 2023 and beyond,” said Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer. “He is already a proven talent within Formula 1, and we are looking forward to harnessing that within the team.”
Alpha Tauri initially intended to replace Gasly with IndyCar star Colton Herta. But the American was denied special dispensation to be given a superlicence, having not accumulated the necessary points.
The team swiftly switched its focus to De Vries, who starred on his F1 debut at last month’s Italian Grand Prix by finishing in the points while substituting at Williams for the unwell Alexander Albon.
Having won the Formula 2 title in 2019, De Vries was unable to secure a place in F1 the following year. Instead, the Dutchman moved into Formula E, winning the title with Mercedes in his first full season in 2021. He has remained with the German marque this year as a reserve driver in F1.
“After Formula 2, I took a slightly different path with motorsport, but F1 has always been my dream and I’m grateful to be able to fulfil it,” said De Vries “I’ve had a lot of chances to experience the 2022 car this year and I think that has put me in a great position for the upcoming season, I hope this has helped to prepare me for what is to come.”
Featured image credit: formula1.com
