Laurent Rossi denies recruiting Gasly based on his nationality
The CEO of Alpine, Laurent Rossi, denied recruiting Pierre Gasly solely based on his nationality. He also highlighted the growing enthusiasm of the public for the French team, following a promising year in 2022.
During the summer break of 2022, the Alpine team was at the center of attention. After the surprising departure of Fernando Alonso, Alpine announced the recruitment of Oscar Piastri, who denied the rumors and ended up going to McLaren instead. Later in the season, Pierre Gasly was finally recruited from AlphaTauri, alongside Esteban Ocon, making Alpine the “French team” of Formula 1. But for Laurent Rossi, his recruitment was absolutely not related to his nationality.
In the podcast “Beyond the Grid,” the CEO of Alpine wanted to clarify the rumors about recruiting Pierre Gasly based solely on his nationality. “Not at all,” assures the Frenchman, who jokingly remarks that if Gasly had been from Bangladesh, they would have still signed him. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the arrival of the Normandy-born Gasly alongside another Normandy native in a brand that is also from Normandy is beneficial.
The arrival of Gasly somewhat helps us transmit a bit of the heritage of Alpine, which is a brand from Normandy. So it’s actually pretty cool because we want to keep the past and project it into the future, says the CEO of the brand. However, he doesn’t forget that the team is indeed French but also British, with its Enstone factory. Enstone is the center of gravity of F1 at Alpine. So it’s a French brand with a British outfit, if you will.
A growing enthusiasm
After a promising 2022 season with a great fourth place in the constructors’ championship, the team, now representing France, is experiencing growing enthusiasm. “I have noticed a change in mood,” says Laurent Rossi. “At first, everyone was skeptical because Renault had been trying to get back on the podiums for a long time without success,” he acknowledges.
Today, Alpine seems to have shifted into another dimension: « We no longer believe in it. We are increasingly getting support from the crowd. Sales are booming, and people are telling us they love the brand ». Having a 100% French pair in the Alpine cockpit now strengthens this popularity among supporters: « At least they don’t have to choose now, both French drivers are in our team. So, we are the French team », Laurent Rossi celebrates.
