Gasly wants to fight at the front: 'See myself with Verstappen and Leclerc'

Pierre Gasly says the time was right for him to leave the Red Bull family. From 2023, the Frenchman will drive for the Alpine team alongside Esteban Ocon. Gasly believes he belongs at the front of the grid competing with the likes of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and George Russell.

Gasly still had a contract with AlphaTauri until the end of 2023, but the deal has come to an early end. Red Bull Racing's sister team brought in Nyck de Vries, leaving Gasly free to leave for Alpine.

The Frenchman has been part of the Red Bull programme for five years. He drove for the Red Bull team alongside Verstappen for half a season, but due to mediocre results, Gasly was replaced by Alexander Albon midway through the season. At AlphaTauri, he managed to redeem himself with even a win at the Italian Grand Prix in 2020.

Speaking to Racer.com Gasly talks about the decision to leave for Alpine. "I felt it was needed because I’ve been with the team at AlphaTauri for quite a few years and I’ve contributed as much as I could to the success of this team over the last couple of years. But ultimately I also want to be fighting at the front." AlphaTauri is struggling a lot this season. The team is only ninth in the constructors' championship, while Gasly himself is on P14 with just 23 points.

"I see the guys that I’ve fought in my career fighting at the front of the grid – Max getting championships, Charles fighting for championships, George being there, Lando (Norris) also getting his chances – and I do see myself there." Gasly has confidence in Alpine and expects the team to make a big move.