Alpine’s driver lineup is swirling in the whirlwind of Formula 1’s ‘silly season,’ fueled by the shockwaves from Lewis Hamilton’s announced move to Ferrari for 2025. As the team unveiled its 2024 F1 car alongside its new Le Mans hypercar, discussions inevitably drifted towards the tantalizing prospect of the vacant Mercedes seat in 2025.
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, both with contracts expiring this year, along with Alpine’s latest addition to their World Endurance Championship team, Mick Schumacher, are all casting speculative glances towards the unfolding driver market. Schumacher, who also serves as Mercedes’ reserve driver, openly expressed his keen interest in F1’s evolving landscape. “There’s a lot of excitement in the driver market now and it could be that one or two doors will open,” he shared, highlighting the fluidity and opportunities emerging from the current transitions.
Gasly, informed of Hamilton’s negotiations with Ferrari well before the news hit the public domain, is navigating his own contract negotiations with an eye on the performance of Alpine’s new car. “My contract expires at the end of the year and negotiations are obviously ongoing,” Gasly stated, emphasizing his ambition to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. “One way or another, my goal is to fight for first place. I’m 28 years old, I have good experience, I’m in my prime,” he added, underlining his readiness to take on the challenges ahead.
Ocon’s situation adds another layer of intrigue, with recent revelations about his ongoing contractual ties to Mercedes through his management by Toto Wolff. “I have always had strong ties with Mercedes,” Ocon acknowledged, clarifying his unique position within the Mercedes family. “I am still one of the young Mercedes drivers, although I am no longer a junior. But I do still have a contract with them,” he revealed, indicating the complex web of relationships and agreements that could influence future moves.
As Alpine braces for a year of transition and speculation, Bruno Famin, the brand’s vice president of motorsport, is prepared for the uncertainties and dynamics of the driver market. “We see that the silly season has started but it is on pause,” Famin remarked, asserting confidence in the team’s current lineup while acknowledging the need for vigilance. He said the abrupt shifts in the driver market, as evidenced by Sebastian Vettel’s retirement and the resulting fallout that directly affected Alpine, underscore the necessity of being ever-prepared for change.
With Alpine’s new F1 car representing a comprehensive overhaul, the team is cautiously optimistic about its prospects for improvement. However, Famin remains pragmatic about setting specific targets for moving up the competitive order. “It’s a real risk because we don’t know if we’re fourth or tenth,” he admitted, highlighting the uncertainties facing many teams in the tightly contested midfield.
