Bruno Famin, the head of Alpine Formula 1, has revealed that the team has begun preliminary contract discussions with its drivers before the recent news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025. This upcoming season will be the first time in the history of the sport that the driver line-ups from the previous campaign will remain unchanged for the new season. However, the driver market for 2025 has already been shaken up with the announcement of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. This has created an opening at Mercedes, and current Alpine driver Esteban Ocon has been mentioned as a potential candidate due to his existing connections with the German team. Both Ocon and his teammate Pierre Gasly have contracts that expire at the end of this year, but Famin insists that the Enstone-based team is content with its current driver pairing.
Famin stated, “We did not wait for Hamilton’s move to Ferrari to engage in discussions with our drivers. We are currently in talks with them.” He expressed his satisfaction with the relationship, communication, and performance of the drivers. Famin acknowledged the importance of keeping an eye on the driver market and mentioned the team’s driver academy as a means of staying informed. However, he emphasized that no decisions have been made yet regarding the drivers’ future. The team’s main focus is on developing the car and the team itself, with the aim of bouncing back from a challenging previous season. Famin believes in open and regular communication with the drivers, ensuring transparency and understanding between all parties involved.
During the launch of Alpine’s 2024 challenger, the A524, the team also unveiled the car that will be driven by Mercedes F1 reserve driver Mick Schumacher in the World Endurance Championship. When asked about Ocon’s association with Mercedes, Famin pointed out Schumacher’s connection to the brand but admitted uncertainty regarding the possibility of him partnering with George Russell in 2025. Famin humorously suggested asking Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Team Principal, for more information on Schumacher’s potential opportunities.
In conclusion, Alpine Formula 1 is actively engaged in contract discussions with its drivers, even before the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The team is satisfied with its current driver pairing and is focused on developing the car and the team. While keeping an eye on the driver market, no decisions have been made regarding the drivers’ future. Additionally, the team unveiled the car for Mick Schumacher in the World Endurance Championship and acknowledged his association with Mercedes. However, it remains uncertain if he is being considered as a potential partner for George Russell in 2025.
