Pierre Gasly has admitted that he assessed his options on the Formula 1 grid prior to penning a long-term extension to remain with Alpine through 2028.
Gasly holds an experienced position within Alpine. As a driver for the team since 2023, he represents stability in a way Alpine has struggled with in past years.
While its second seat has become a revolving door, Gasly has held steadfast, currently holding 100 per cent of the team’s points in 2025, with 20 to his name.
It wasn’t a sure thing that the Frenchman would look to stay with the Anglo-French marque, though, as he explained following last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
“Of course I did [look elsewhere],” he revealed.
“It’s just the normal stuff to do. It’s not like it was a no-brainer, looking at the performance at the start of the year. There is some thinking behind it.”
Currently, Alpine sits last in the Constructors’ standings, a far cry from the late-season exploits it achieved in 2024. Despite this, Gasly’s focus is on the future.
“But honestly, I believe this is a very strong option,” he continued. “Just got to wait and display some good performance from next season.
“I think it’s good to have some clarity and show my commitment on both ends. From the team towards me and me towards the team.
“And with the group of people that I’m working with, I’m feeling in a much better place than I was when I arrived.
“So I think it’s very clear. I think it [the contract extension] can only be positive for everyone on the team.”
Gasly wasn’t in a ‘rush’ to decide F1 future
Gasly has revealed that he was in no hurry to sign a contract, looking for the best opportunity for his future rather than the most convenient.
He divulged that Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore was one of the leading voices that convinced him to commit to the Enstone-based squad.
“Obviously, my side, I didn’t have to rush,” said Gasly.
“I think Flavio convinces me going forward and to the potential of the team. And as I said, there are reasons we’re not competitive this year.”
While many teams have chosen to continue developing their 2025 cars, Gasly insisted that he has backed Alpine’s decision to invest purely in next season’s rule changes.
“I fully backed the team at the start of the year once they decided to stop the development very early on compared to other teams, which obviously, you know, is a bit painful right now.
“But I think moving forward, and for my targets in Formula 1, it’s definitely the best thing to do for the coming season.
“I fully believe in the team of people we have in Enstone. We’ve got some good new recruits.
“I think in terms of organisation, work processes we have, the team is probably in the best place that I’ve seen.
“And yeah, everything we know is not working on this year’s car is a conscious decision not to change it to maximise our chances from next season on.”
READ MORE – Pierre Gasly commits to long-term F1 deal with Alpine until 2028
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