Alpine almost obliged to pass on an in-house junior talent in 2025
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At the end of 2024, as many as 14 drivers' contracts expire. But six drivers are fixed until after that season. A mega Silly Season lies in wait, but what are the proportions at the moment? Alpine has two drivers tied up until 2024. What they decide to do for 2025 will very much depend on the battle between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
When do Gasly and Ocon's contracts expire?
At Alpine, it will be a battle between Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. With so many contracts expiring at the end of 2024, it does not seem desirable to keep both drivers beyond 2024. There was nothing else for 2023 after the departure of Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri, but in 2025, a duo of two drivers who do not like each other at all does not seem ideal. There were already several moments between the two drivers in 2023, which will be no less in 2024. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon both have contracts until 2024. Alpine would be wise to extend only one of the two contracts.
In 2023, Gasly surprisingly prevailed in the duel in his first season. Alpine would be wise to extend his contract if he continues that line. For the second seat next to Gasly, a (experienced) driver who is a bit calmer emotionally would be a good match.
Who will be Alpine's leader?
As the sixth team on the grid and lacking any appealing names as team boss or technical director, Alpine does not have the appeal to attract guys like Carlos Sainz, Alexander Albon and Sergio Perez. Guanyu Zhou, with three years of F1 experience and as a former member of their own training programme, could be interesting. Nico Hulkenberg also has the experience but was shown the door by Alpine a few years back.
Drivers with experience and speed are hard to find for Alpine. Mick Schumacher is in the Alpine programme and could be an option for 2025. Talented and perhaps a little less confrontational with Gasly.
However, Alpine would be wise to finally start rewarding their own talent pool. They already let Piastri walk by not having a place in the team, and with two expiring contracts, it would actually be scandalous if there is no place for Victor Martins or Jack Doohan. Martins, in particular, impressed in his debut year in F2, and should he become F2 champion in 2024 or come close to it, he certainly deserves a step up.