Pierre Gasly will join Esteban Ocon in an all-French Alpine lineup beginning in 2023, while Nyck de Vries will replace him at Alpha Tauri.
The two moves come after Fernando Alonso decided to leave Alpine for Aston Martin after they refused to give him what he wanted in a new contract.
Red Bull decided to release Gasly from his contract, marking the first time he had left a company in his career.
After spending years outside Formula 1, De Vries makes his full-time debut.
The 26-year-old Gasly expressed his “pleasure to start this new chapter in my F1 career.”
Driving for a squad with French heritage is unique, he said. “Having competed against Alpine over a previous couple of years, I am aware of their qualities, and it is evident that their improvement and desire are really outstanding.”
Since 1994, Gasly and Ocon make up the first all-French driver lineup in F1.
They had a complicated past together, not always friendly. They were childhood buddies in their early years of karting and were both from Normandy, but they later grew apart. Then, four years ago, Gasly declared: “I began to beat him and he didn’t like it so we’re no longer pals.”
Before committing to Gasly, Alpine had a conversation with Ocon about the strategy, according to team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
Esteban and Pierre both provided a lot of assistance, according to Szafnauer. this team have experience. They also have no problem with our collaboration. They used to be friends, so perhaps their friendship could restart. But from a business standpoint, they are both delighted to collaborate.
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After unsuccessful efforts to sign IndyCar sensation Colton Herta, De Vries, the 2021 Formula E champion and Mercedes reserve driver, became a contender for Red Bull’s sister team.
The American, who has tested for McLaren this season, is ineligible for an F1 driver super-license, and the sport’s governing body, the FIA, turned down Red Bull’s plea for an exemption.
De Vries, 27, impressed Red Bull with an outstanding F1 debut for Williams as a stand-in for Alex Albon at the Italian Grand Prix last month, persuading the team that he was the perfect driver to take Gasly’s spot.
When the Thai driver, a British citizen, sent to the hospital with appendicitis, De Vries, the 2019 Formula 2 champion, step in at the last minute and finish eighth.
De Vries stated: “F1 has always been my ambition, and I’m glad to be able to realize it. However, after Formula 2, I went somewhat differently with racing.
I believe that having several opportunities to drive the 2022 vehicle this year has placed me in a beautiful position for the following season. I hope this has helped better prepare me for what is to come.
He joins Yuki Tsunoda, a Japanese actor who was already reported to return to Alpha Tauri for the next season.