Gasly has “evolved a lot” compared to 2019
By leaving AlphaTauri to join Alpine, Pierre Gasly is beginning this new chapter in a "completely different" way after his time at Red Bull in 2019.
Arriving in Formula 1 in 2017 with Toro Rosso, Pierre Gasly spent the last six years racing under the Red Bull umbrella until this season, when he joined Alpine.
Recruited by Red Bull in 2019 to replace Daniel Ricciardo who had left for Renault, he only competed in 12 races before returning to Toro Rosso due to below-expected results by the Austrian team.
Since then, Gasly has revived his career by notably securing his first victory at Monza in 2020. In an interview with Autosport, he discusses this new chapter with the French team after learning from his failure with Red Bull.
« I feel like it was an eternity ago when I was with Red Bull, and since then, so many things have happened, professionally and personally », Gasly points out.
I really feel like I have evolved in all areas. I remember when I first joined Red Bull, the feeling I had going there, and now the feeling, my approach, and the mindset I have when I enter Alpine, are completely different.
« I have much clearer ideas. I think it’s more like a clarity of mind about what is necessary to be efficient and what is necessary to be competitive. »
I want to primarily use the experience I have accumulated with AlphaTauri, in both good and bad times, and gather the experience I have gained at Red Bull to make the most of this opportunity with Alpine.
« I am much more confident that it will be very successful, I have no doubt about it. In 2019, even if you think it’s only three years ago, personally, I feel like I have evolved a lot.
An adaptation period.
With the reduced pre-season testing next month, Esteban Ocon’s new teammate already has some experience with Alpine during the Abu Dhabi testing in November after the last Grand Prix of the season. It was a valuable experience that allowed him to become familiar with the team.
After spending over 10 years under Red Bull’s wing, he joins Alpine with the intention of adapting as quickly as possible.
(I) It’s true, there won’t be much time before the start of the season, but I’ll do all the necessary preparation and in the end, I know I can adapt quickly.
« I did it in the past. I just need to be aware that things could be very different. It may not be. It may feel completely natural right away. It may not be natural right away. »
But it is very important to arrive with an open mind.
