French driver Pierre Gasly has secured his future in Formula 1 by extending his contract with the Alpine team until the year 2028. Gasly, who joined Alpine in 2023 with an initial agreement ending in 2026, is preparing for a key season. In 2026, Formula 1 will introduce significant changes to aerodynamics and engines, which could reconfigure the hierarchy of the competition. The announcement of the contract extension was made before this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, a race that Gasly won in 2021 when he was competing for AlphaTauri.
Gasly’s contract extension contrasts with the situation of his teammate, where Alpine has had difficulties securing a driver. Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan in Imola this year, but still hasn’t secured a seat for next season. Despite Alpine being at the bottom of the championship standings, the team will switch to Mercedes engines next season, which generates optimism about their ability to compete. In the announcement, Gasly highlighted the importance of Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s CEO, and François Provost, the new CEO of Renault.The team has expressed its confidence in Gasly as the driver who will lead the team in the new regulatory era starting in 2026.
Alpine
The driver also thanked Briatore for his support and Provost for his commitment to the Formula 1 project. Gasly is considered one of the best drivers in the middle of the grid and with the right car could aim for the championship. The team has not yet decided who will be Gasly’s teammate for next season. Colapinto still has chances, and the team also has Paul Aron in its youth ranks. Sources close to the team indicate that Doohan is the least likely to compete in 2026, while Briatore has admitted to having mismanaged the Australian driver’s brief period on the grid.I am very happy to commit my long-term future to Alpine. As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company makes me feel very proud. Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place for the future.
Pierre Gasly
