Alpine Formula 1 boss Bruno Famin revealed the team had commenced tentative contract talks with its drivers prior to the news that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2025.
The coming season will mark the first time in the sport’s entire history that the driver line-ups that concluded the last campaign will remain unchanged heading into the new one.
However, the driver market for 2025 has been turned on its head before racing has even began with the revelation that Hamilton will be driving for Ferrari from next season.
That has opened up a vacancy at Mercedes, with current Alpine driver Esteban Ocon having been touted as a potential option due to his existing ties with the German outfit.
Both Ocon and team-mate Pierre Gasly retain deals that expire at the end of this year, but Famin insists that the Enstone-based squad is satisfied with its driving pairing at present.
“We have not waited for Hamilton going to Ferrari to talk to our drivers. We’re talking currently to our drivers,” Famin divulged at the launch of Alpine’s 2024 challenger.
“I’m very happy of the relationship we have with them, with the communication we have with them, and with the job they’re doing; we are happy with our drivers.
“We of course [will] have a look on the drivers’ market. We have also our [driver] academy and this is our duty to see what is going on and to know what is going on.”
However, Famin stressed that a resolution to either driver’s future was not forthcoming, with Alpine fixated on ensuring it rebounds from a challenging campaign last time out.
“We are on that, but there is no decision at all yet, our priority is much more focused on developing the car and the team and we are confident with our drivers,” he added.
“They know what we think, they know also how Formula 1 works. There is no duplicity, and that’s why it’s important to talk regularly to each other, to put everything on the table.
“Again, I think we’re happy with them. Let’s wait for the first race and the performance of the car, but I understand they are happy with the team, then let’s talk a bit later about that.”
Alongside the launch of the A524, Alpine also showcased the car which Mercedes F1 reserve driver Mick Schumacher will pilot in the World Endurance Championship.
Following a question regarding Ocon’s Mercedes association, Famin was quick to point out Schumacher’s link to the brand but admitted he was unsure if the German was in the frame to partner George Russell in 2025.
“I don’t know if he has a potential opportunity, ask Toto [Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal]!” Famin expressed. “I don’t know if he’s on the list, to be honest, let’s see. Let’s talk about that later.”
Discussion about this post