Crimson Bull and AlphaTauri have dominated out the potential of Pierre Gasly leaving to affix Alpine for 2023.
Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alpine misplaced Fernando Alonso from their 2023 driver line-up, and look more likely to lose reserve driver Oscar Piastri to McLaren, regardless of Alpine prematurely confirming him as their 2023 driver.
If McLaren’s transfer for Piastri – revealed by RacingNews365.com – succeeds as anticipated, Alpine might be on the hunt for a second driver for the 2023 season.
The possible McLaren departee, Daniel Ricciardo, can be a candidate for a return to the Enstone-based group, however Alpine’s present back-up driver desire will not be identified.
One driver linked with their second seat is Gasly, who has impressed since his demotion from Crimson Bull in 2019, taking one win and two different podiums since then.
Gasly, nonetheless, not too long ago signed a contract extension at AlphaTauri till the tip of 2023, which suggests Crimson Bull would have the ultimate say on whether or not the Frenchman can go away.
Marko denies Gasly has exit clause
It was thought that Gasly had been in search of a drive with a group additional up the grid, however his choices have been restricted.
Crimson Bull have elected to maintain Sergio Perez as much as the tip of the 2024 season, which means alternatives inside the Crimson Bull steady are on maintain till then.
Crimson Bull’s Motorsport Advisor, Helmut Marko, has poured chilly water on solutions that Gasly might set off an exit from AlphaTauri.
“There is no such thing as a exit clause [for] Gasly,” Marko instructed Sport1.
“There was none earlier than the summer time break and there might be none after the summer time break.”
AlphaTauri Crew Principal Franz Tost additionally responded to the hyperlinks by underlining that he’s Crimson Bull’s first alternative if a seat opens up.
“It is senseless for Crimson Bull to let Pierre go,” mentioned Tost.
“If a Crimson Bull driver fails, there isn’t a different ample driver who can step in. Solely Gasly can do this.”