Why Pierre Gasly’s 2-Year Extension With Alpine Makes Sense (Even If It Looks Like a Gamble)

Pierre Gasly’s recent contract extension with Alpine has certainly raised some eyebrows. Extending his stay with one of Formula 1’s least successful teams of 2025 could be seen as a risk for a driver who once had high aspirations of being in a more competitive environment. But when you peel back the layers, it becomes clear that this decision is more than just a survival strategy for Gasly — it’s a strategic move, possibly with hidden benefits. So, why did Pierre Gasly sign a two-year deal to stay with Alpine, even when better opportunities might seem to exist? Let’s dive deeper into the reasoning behind his decision.

Alpine’s Current Struggles and the Survival Mode Mentality

On the surface, Alpine’s 2025 performance is far from impressive. Sitting at the back of the grid with limited competitiveness, Alpine is enduring a rough season. While not completely invisible, they are undeniably struggling. Gasly, having committed to a team that’s arguably the worst-performing outfit of the year, could be seen as someone simply grasping for stability in a chaotic world of Formula 1. The team, led by a revamped management structure under the new Renault CEO, François Provost, has voiced its commitment to long-term participation in F1. So, what drove Gasly to extend his contract with a team so far behind its rivals?

A Commitment to Alpine’s Future, Despite the Current Struggles

Gasly himself remains optimistic, often expressing belief in the long-term vision of the team. His words, while uplifting, reveal a mix of hope and realism:

“Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future. I want to be here in years to come and deliver on our joint objective to win races and world championships.”

He credits the support of Alpine’s senior management — notably François and Flavio, even though their roles have evolved since Gasly’s initial arrival — as key elements in his decision. This declaration of loyalty is crucial, especially given the turbulent history of Alpine’s leadership, which has seen several changes at the top in recent years.

The mention of Flavio Briatore is particularly telling. Briatore, though not officially team principal, has played a pivotal role behind the scenes at Alpine. Gasly’s acknowledgment of his support despite rumors of tension between them suggests that any past issues have been put to rest, or at least buried for the sake of the team’s future.

The Power Struggle: A Rocky Relationship With the Management?

However, the underlying dynamics between Gasly and Alpine’s management aren’t without their complications. Briatore’s influence within the team — often described as a de facto “shop caller” — has created friction, particularly during Gasly’s first year. Behind the scenes, whispers about punishment, such as extra testing due to Gasly’s tardiness or vacation habits, add a layer of complexity to the narrative. Despite this, Gasly’s commitment to the team, even if it seems to contradict his personal ambitions, highlights a level of professional maturity.

The Alpine Dream: Can This Team Be Competitive?

The elephant in the room remains the same — is Alpine ever going to be competitive again? With the move to a new power unit supplier in 2026, there is a glimmer of hope. Alpine has historically struggled in power-dependent circuits, and the Renault engine — which has been less competitive than others — has held them back in 2025. But their move to a Mercedes engine could change things, bringing new life to the struggling team. It’s this potential that Gasly seems to be betting on.

If Alpine’s aerodynamics can be further refined and the team’s engine woes addressed, the team could once again find itself at the forefront of the grid. Gasly’s optimism about these developments might be what prompted him to extend his deal, despite the underwhelming performance this year.

A Bird in the Hand: Why Not Gamble?

With the entire F1 landscape shifting in 2026 with new regulations, Gasly might have simply decided that committing now, a year before the chaos of the 2026 silly season, makes sense. The upcoming changes to the grid, with new opportunities opening up, could bring uncertainty. Top drivers like George Russell, Lando Norris, and others will be making moves, and the market will be flooded with top talent fighting for the best seats.

In contrast, Gasly’s deal with Alpine locks in his future, giving him both stability and leverage. Alpine’s decision to extend his contract could have been influenced by his performance on track, particularly his ability to extract decent results from an underperforming car. Despite Alpine’s struggles, Gasly remains the team’s top scorer, which undoubtedly earns him respect within the team.

Alpine: A Brand Built on French Pride

While the technical aspects of the car might leave something to be desired, there are also intangible elements at play. As the only French driver on the grid with a Grand Prix victory to his name, Gasly represents a valuable connection to the French identity of Alpine. Despite the team’s recent struggles, keeping Gasly provides Alpine with a key figure who can still attract French sponsors and media attention. For a team that has seen its own national pride somewhat diluted by its German power unit supplier, maintaining a French figurehead is vital.

By sticking with Gasly, Alpine is playing it smart, ensuring that the French public and French companies remain engaged with the team. In a sport dominated by international sponsors and brands, national pride remains a key factor in the sport’s allure. Alpine needs to keep its roots, and Gasly, as a Frenchman, continues to serve as a figurehead for their domestic following.

No Promises of Titles: Just a Stable Future

There’s a cynical side to Gasly’s decision, too. In his official statements, he made it clear that he was committed to Alpine’s future and their long-term goal of winning races and world championships. But let’s face it — every driver says the same thing when renewing their contract. It’s hard to believe that Gasly, a driver who has now had five years to experience the highs and lows of F1, truly believes that Alpine will be back to winning titles any time soon.

But the deal does provide Gasly with something even more valuable than titles at this stage: stability. Alpine’s future may not be all roses, but by signing this extension, Gasly ensures his role as the team’s anchor. He is locking in his place, and in a sport as unpredictable as Formula 1, that security is crucial.

The Shadow of Christian Horner

One interesting aspect to consider is the potential for Christian Horner to return to Alpine. Gasly’s commitment to Alpine and the team’s stability significantly decreases the likelihood of Horner’s return, which many had speculated about in the past. As it stands, Alpine appears to be setting its course for the future without the dramatic changes that a figure like Horner would bring.

Horner’s leadership at Red Bull has been nothing short of iconic, but Alpine now seems to be focused on consolidating its resources and avoiding further drama. While not entirely impossible, Horner’s return to Alpine seems more unlikely than ever before.

Final Thoughts: A Logical Decision in an Uncertain World

While Pierre Gasly’s decision to sign a two-year extension with Alpine might seem like a desperate move to some, the rationale behind it becomes clearer when considering the bigger picture. Alpine, despite its current struggles, presents Gasly with stability and long-term potential, especially with the changes to their power unit. Gasly, now in his third season with the team, has solidified his place as the team’s leader and top scorer, and his decision to commit further speaks to his belief in the future of the team.

Alpine, while not on the brink of dominance, may still have something significant to offer. The upcoming regulations in 2026 could shake things up, and Gasly may just be securing his position ahead of a potential resurgence. For now, at least, Alpine offers a sense of continuity, and in a sport as volatile as F1, that’s something that cannot be underestimated.

In the end, Gasly’s extension might not be the sexiest contract renewal in recent F1 history, but it’s a pragmatic choice that balances career security with the possibility of future success.