Red Bull respond to Gasly Alpine speculation

Sam Hall
Wednesday 10 August 2022 17:01

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has dismissed speculation that Pierre Gasly could be set to join Alpine as Fernando Alonso's replacement.

Sebastian Vettel sent the F1 driver transfer market into overdrive when he announced his retirement from the sport ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Aston Martin stunned Alpine by confirming that two-time champion Alonso would be replacing the German the day after the Budapest race.

The tale took a further twist after Alpine 'confirmed' it would promote reserve driver Oscar Piastri into a race seat for 2023, only for the driver to sensationally deny the team's statement on social media.

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has claimed the outfit has a 14-driver shortlist to replace Alonso with reports suggesting that an exit clause in Gasly's AlphaTauri could allow the Frenchman to switch allegiances.

But speaking to SPORT1, Marko said: "There is no exit clause for Gasly. There was none before the summer break and there will be none after the summer break."

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost added: "It makes no sense for Red Bull to let Pierre go.

"If a Red Bull driver fails, there is no other adequate driver who can step in. Only Gasly can do that.”