'Gasly and Ocon have seen enough and want to leave Alpine'
Rumors
- Corwin Kunst
Things have been unsettled at Alpine for quite some time. And if we believe Spanish F1 journalist Pedro Fermin, the French formation looks set to enter a turbulent year (again) when it comes to the future of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the team.
The two drivers are reportedly dissatisfied, and both want to leave. They are said to have already asked their agents to look at opportunities at other teams. Ocon and Gasly's contracts both expire after next season, so the Frenchmen do not seem keen on a contract extension.
Alpine had to make do with a disappointing sixth place in the constructors' championship last year and a lot of internal turmoil. CEO Laurent Rossi left, team boss Otmar Szafnauer was sacked halfway through the season, sporting director Alan Permane was allowed to pack his bags, and between the factories in Enstone in the UK and Víry in France, there were strong disagreements.
Where can Ocon and Gasly go?
The results are not forthcoming, and that would make Gasly and Ocon strongly consider leaving. The only question is where to go? They do not seem to be eligible for the absolute top teams in Formula 1, and McLaren and Aston Martin also seem out of the question. However, according to Fermin, Ocon is at the top of Audi's wish list when they take over Stake F1 team in 2026.
It remains to be seen how much of the latter is true. Many drivers have been associated with Audi lately. Sainz has also been mentioned more than once as a top candidate, and the names of Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas have also been mentioned.