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F1 fans have reacted to Alpine announcing a multi-year contract extension for Pierre Gasly. The Enstone-based team decided to lock the former Red Bull driver after dropping his teammate, Esteban Ocon, in 2024.
Gasly joined Alpine in 2023 and raced alongside Ocon. Despite their rivalry, the French drivers went along well with each other in their first season together. However, tension started to rise in 2024 and peaked at the Monaco GP, where they collided with each other, forcing Ocon to retire from the race.
A few weeks after the race at Monaco, Alpine announced that they would part ways with Ocon after 2024. Several rumors emerged as to who could replace the Frenchman in the team. Questions about Pierre Gasly also emerged as Alpine tried to pull themselves up in the midfield battle in 2024.
On June 27, 2024, before the Austrian GP, Alpine confirmed that they have extended Gasly's contract for 2025 and beyond. This long-term contract will see him driving the French team into the era of new regulations in 2026.
One fan hilariously commented on their X post that Pierre Gasly would miss Esteban Ocon, while another claimed that signing him was a good move by Alpine since he was underrated.
"Pierre will miss Esteban surely," one fan wrote.
"W for Alpine, Gasly is underrated," another opined.
Many F1 fans urged the French team to consider or sign Sauber's Zhou Guanyu after extending Gasly's contract. The Chinese driver has been driving for the Swiss-based team for two years now and has scored zero points in the 2024 season.
"I hope Guanyu Zou will be the next!!!" a follower exclaimed.
"Consider Zhou please!!!" another chimed in.
"That is awesome for Pierre, and wish the next would be Zhou!" someone added.
Pierre Gasly dedicated to work on Alpine's long-term project after signing a multi-year contract
Pierre Gasly recently talked about signing a contract extension with Alpine. In the official statement, the French driver stated that he feels at home in the team and plans to work hard on the long-term project. Though he admits the team's recent struggles in 2024, he is dedicated to moving forward and was satisfied with recent improvements.
“I feel very much at home at this great team. I enjoy being a real part of both the Formula 1 project and the wider Alpine Cars vision. I’ve been officially here for over 18 months and it has always been the plan to build a long-term project with the Team," Gasly said.
"While on-track it’s been a challenging season so far, I remain faithful to the project and I am not going anywhere. I am happy with the changes made, the hard work, and the direction the team is taking," he added.
In the first nine races, Pierre Gasly has scored five points and stands in 15th place in the drivers' championship table.
