Gasly shocked at Alpine's vacant seat: 'That's a bold move'

Oscar Piastri caused many a surprise by turning down the Alpine seat for 2023. Pierre Gasly thought it was a risky move, although it may be good for the Frenchman's career.

Bold move by Piastri

Should Piastri stay with Alpine or is his contract with McLaren valid? The Contract Recognition Board seems to be about to give a decision, after talks between Alpine, McLaren and Piastri were held on Monday. It will also be a new signal for Silly Season.

If Alpine loses Piastri, it will have to find a new driver for 2023, if it does not already want one after the breach of trust with the Australian. Gasly is one of the candidates to succeed Piastri. The Frenchman still has a contract with AlphaTauri, but Alpine would obviously be a step up.

Gasly told The Race that he thought Piastri's move was risky. "To refuse an F1 seat, when you know how difficult it is to get there and be affiliated with Alpine. So I was quite surprised by his action," Gasly said.

Gasly to join Alpine

Whether Gasly will actually replace Fernando Alonso remains to be seen. Alpine would first have to make Red Bull a good offer to buy out the Frenchman, after which it would also have to negotiate with Esteban Ocon. The two were once childhood friends, but that relationship broke down when they competed for wins in karting. That relationship is said to have never recovered.

For Alpine, there are other options on the market. Daniel Ricciardo is free again after his contract with McLaren was torn up, Mick Schumacher is mentioned as a possible candidate and in F2 Alpine also has a junior driving in the form of Jack Doohan. However, in terms of form and qualities Gasly seems the best option for 2023.