Pierre Gasly has insisted there is “no trouble” in the Alpine Formula 1 team, despite a recent upheaval involving changes to both its driver line-up and management.
The Anglo-French marque found itself in the headlines immediately after the Miami Grand Prix, with the team announcing that Franco Colapinto will now race alongside Gasly.
Colapinto replaces Jack Doohan, who was highly speculated to be eventually replaced by the Argentinian even prior to the campaign beginning.
The ex-Williams rookie will be given the next five races to prove himself, with the Australian reverting to a simulator role.
Then things took an even more dramatic turn when Team Principal Oliver Oakes sensationally resigned immediately after the race, leading to speculation of a fallout between himself and Executive Advisor, and now interim team boss, Flavio Briatore.
However, it emerged that Oakes’ resignation was due to the arrest of his brother William, a director of the Hitech Grand Prix team that Oakes heads.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week ahead of this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Gasly affirmed that, amid the drama, there are no problems within Alpine.
“I was at the factory on Tuesday, Wednesday I was working in the simulator, I was with Flavio when all the announcements were made,” he said.
“It’s big news, but as I said the business and what we’ve got to do as individuals doesn’t change. I think at the end of the day it was a personal decision from Oli’s side.
“There is no trouble within the team, there is no disagreement between anyone in the team. The vision and the directions always remain the same as they were before Miami and after Miami.
“Obviously Oli is not there and there has been the change between the drivers, which is another thing that is talked about, but in terms of directions and pure work this hasn’t changed.”
Alpine ‘to see rewards’ once Briatore settles back in
Gasly stated that this previous week’s drama has clouded the fact that the Alpine team is in a good place in terms of performance.
The Frenchman thanked Oakes for his work, saying he was “sad to see him leave the team,” but added he will “accept” and “respect” his decision to leave.
However, Gasly was also quick to praise Briatore for the input and changes he has already made since he was appointed as Executive Director last June.
And with the Italian – who headed the team in its previous guises as Benetton and Renault – back at the helm, Gasly believes the combination of his work previously and now will pay off.
“The headlines are not really showing any of the good work that we’re seeing or that I’m seeing at the factory, or even within the racing team,” he said.
“I think for me, it’s important to keep the guys focusing on the actual work we’re doing behind closed doors, because that’s really good.
“Obviously the noise outside is always going to be there, because when you have changes like that it’s always going to be talked about.
“But from what I’m seeing at the factory and the people working together, the staff, the new people coming in, there is a lot of potential.
“Flavio has brought a lot with him and as you say I think the directions are very clear and we’ll see some rewards and dividends over the next few weeks and months.
“I’m very hopeful for next season, but I think it’s just important that we move on from this special week and just focus on the business as usual.”
Gasly urges Doohan to ‘keep strong’
Gasly also praised Doohan for his time in the team, describing him as a “very nice guy” and a “quick driver,” but would not be drawn on the team’s decision to make the switch with Colapinto.
A victim of the ruthless Red Bull management style – having been replaced midway through the 2019 season – Gasly knows the toughness that F1 brings, and urged Doohan to keep working hard.
“Focus your mind on the things that matter,” Gasly advised.
“There will be a lot of noise, there will be a lot of negative energy surrounding him, but as a driver and as an athlete, you just got to put that aside and just focus on your business.
“I have the chance to be at the wheel every other weekend and to show my speed.
“On his side the work will be at the simulator and whenever he’ll have a chance to be at the wheel, so I think it’s mentally not easy, but you just got to keep strong.”
READ MORE – Alpine F1 car set to remain unchanged for Franco Colapinto’s debut at Imola
