Pierre Gasly, Alpine driver in Formula 1, has downplayed reports of alleged internal chaos within the team, following recent leadership and driver changes.
Gasly stated that everything continues as normal in the team owned by Renault, dismissing speculation about problems.
The sudden departure of Oliver Oakes as team principal, for personal reasons, was followed by the arrival of former director Flavio Briatore, who will assume Oakes’ responsibilities.
Briatore, 75, becomes the sixth team principal in five seasons. Gasly, who joined the team in 2023, will be working with his fourth team principal.
Following Oakes’ departure, the team announced that Australian rookie Jack Doohan would be replaced by Argentinian Franco Colapinto for at least five races, starting at this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
Gasly told reporters in Imola on Thursday: “I went to the factory last Tuesday, on Wednesday I was working in the simulator, I was with Flavio when all the announcements were made.”
It’s great news, but the business and what we have to do as individuals doesn’t change.
Pierre Gasly
Gasly added: “There are no problems within the team, there is no disagreement between anyone in the team, the vision and directions always remain the same as before and after Miami. Obviously, Oli is not there and there have been changes among the drivers… But in terms of directions and pure work, this has not changed.”
Gasly, who has scored Alpine’s seven points so far this season, said he took four days off playing golf in Scotland to relax and recharge before arriving in Imola.
Alpine is in ninth position out of ten teams after six Grand Prix and two sprint races.
Gasly concluded: “The headlines don’t show the good work we are seeing, or that I am seeing, in the factory or even within the race team. I think it’s important that the guys focus on the real work we are doing behind closed doors, because that’s really good. Flavio has brought a lot and… I think the directions are very clear and we will see some rewards and dividends in the coming weeks and months, and I am very hopeful for next season. But I think it’s important that we move on from this special week and focus on business as usual.”
