F1 News: Bruno Famin reveals Mercedes interest sparks future talks with Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon

Bruno Famin smiles and Toto Wolff reacts angrily — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 team boss reveals future talks with star drivers amid Mercedes interest

Both drivers may be on the list of potential Mercedes candidates

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Monday 12 February 2024 13:57

Alpine team principal Bruno Famin has revealed that Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari hasn't changed anything in terms of his two drivers' long-term futures with the team.

Hamilton's shock move to the Maranello-based outfit has left a seat alongside George Russell vacant at Mercedes from 2025, with the driver market expected to heat up heading into the start of the 2024 season.

Alpine's Esteban Ocon has previous links with Mercedes, having been a junior driver with the team, and it was revealed last month that the Frenchman's career is still watched with interest from those at Brackley.

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Gasly, on the other hand, joined Alpine at the end of 2022 following some very strong performances with AlphaTauri - now named Visa Cash App RB - and, despite only claiming one podium in his debut season, could still be near the top of Mercedes' long list of potential suitors.

Could Pierre Gasly replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?

Esteban Ocon may also be eyeing up Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes seat

Toto Wolff is weighing up his Mercedes options

Ocon and Gasly on Mercedes' radar?

Both Gasly and Ocon's Alpine contracts are due to expire at the end of the current season, perfectly timed with Hamilton's exit from Mercedes.

However, Famin - who has recently been permanently named Alpine team principal - remains resolute that his drivers are in talks to renew their contracts with the Enstone-based team.

“We have not waited for Hamilton going to Ferrari to talk to our drivers. We are talking permanently to our drivers," he told Motorsport.com.

“I'm very happy with the relationship with have with them - with the communication we have with them, and the job they are doing. And we regularly talk to them. We talked before Hamilton and after.

“To be honest we all of course have a look on the drivers' market. We have also our academy, and it is our duty to see what is going on, to know what is going.

“We're on that, but there is no decision at all yet. And our priority is much more focused on developing the car and the team, and we are confident with our drivers."

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes George Russell Bruno Famin