After the split, Pierre Gasly moves on – The Formula 1 grid is undergoing a transformation as the 2025 season approaches, with significant driver movements shaking up the paddock. One of the most notable changes comes from Alpine, where Esteban Ocon has left the team, paving the way for young talent Jack Doohan to step in alongside Pierre Gasly.

This marks the end of an all-French driver line-up that, while historically significant, was not known for being harmonious. Childhood friends from Normandy, Gasly and Ocon have never enjoyed a particularly warm relationship and their partnership at Alpine has often been scrutinised for underlying tensions.

Now, with Ocon embarking on a new chapter at Haas and Gasly staying put at Alpine, the two will take separate paths in their careers. While their dynamic may not have been the smoothest, Gasly acknowledges the importance of their journey together, and even expresses some regret that it has come to an end.

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“We didn’t really have a chance to say goodbye…”

Speaking to France’s NextGen Auto, Pierre Gasly reflected on Ocon’s departure and the unique story they had written together. “We didn’t really have the chance to say goodbye,” admitted Gasly.

“Twenty or thirty years from now, we’ll look back and say it was an incredible story. We grew up together, we debuted together in Normandy. We were told it was impossible to get into F1 and yet we both did it. And then, somehow, we ended up in the same French team.

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Despite their well-documented differences, the significance of their journey together is not lost on Gasly. Their time as teammates ended on a high note, with both standing on the podium together in Brazil.

“It’s a very, very nice story, especially with the final clap of the double podium in Brazil,” added Gasly. That race marked one of the most emotional moments in recent Alpine history, a rare triumph in an otherwise difficult season.

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“Everyone said it would be a complete mess”

Throughout their time together, speculation surrounded Gasly and Ocon’s ability to work as teammates. Many expected their competitive history and personal differences to cause friction within the team. However, Gasly believes they have managed to prove people wrong.

“Everyone said it would be a real mess with both of us in the team, but luckily there were two talented and motivated drivers like us,” he said. “The internal competition pushed us to give our all and we never gave up. If we’ve managed to make a very, very complicated season work, it’s also thanks to the work we’ve done together.

Despite Alpine’s struggles, Gasly insists that both he and Ocon maintained their professionalism and worked towards the best possible results for the team. Their partnership may not have been the friendliest, but it was functional enough to push them both to perform at a high level.

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A new chapter with Jack Doohan

As the 2025 season approaches, Gasly is now preparing to build a new working relationship – this time with Australian rider Jack Doohan. The son of legendary motorcycle racer Mick Doohan, Jack has been part of Alpine’s academy and has long been seen as a potential future driver for the team. Now, with the departure of Ocon, Doohan steps up to the plate, bringing fresh energy and a new dynamic to the French outfit.

While Doohan lacks the extensive F1 experience that Ocon brought to the table, he is highly regarded within Alpine and has tested for the team on several occasions. His arrival marks a shift for Gasly, who will now take on a more senior role within the team.

For Gasly, this new partnership is an opportunity to reset and focus on performance without the baggage of past rivalries. With Alpine looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season, the team will need a united front to improve its competitiveness. How Gasly and Doohan gel as teammates will be a key storyline in the coming months.

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Moving forward without looking back

Although Gasly and Ocon’s partnership in the Alps has often been viewed through the lens of their past rivalry, it is clear that Gasly respects the journey they have shared. Their careers, intertwined since childhood, took them from karting in Normandy to the pinnacle of motorsport, culminating in a stint as teammates in their home country’s Formula One team.

With Ocon now at Haas and Gasly moving forward with Doohan, both drivers have the chance to redefine their careers independently.

While they may not have had the warmest of partnerships, Gasly acknowledges the role Ocon played in pushing him to be better and recognises the legacy they leave behind.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Alpine’s new line-up and whether Gasly can lead the team into a stronger future. Meanwhile, Ocon will be looking to establish himself at Haas, hoping to make the most of his new surroundings. One thing is for sure – despite going their separate ways, both drivers remain deeply connected by their remarkable journey to Formula One.

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