7. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
Championship final position: 10th
Best Finish: 3rd
Best Qualifying: 3rd
If you asked him, Pierre Gasly might not regard 2024 as his most satisfying season in Formula 1. However, scoring 42 of Alpine’s 65 points – nearly double the tally of his teammate Esteban Ocon –speaks volumes about Gasly’s accomplishments this year. Despite the miraculous double podium in a rain-soaked Interlagos, 2024 has been far from smooth sailing for the Anglo-French team. Yet Gasly’s remarkable consistency and error-free performances have firmly established him as Alpine’s leader, earning him a well-deserved multi-year contract extension.
Could Alpine’s strong finish to 2024 lay the groundwork for a brighter 2025—before the playing field resets to "zero" in 2026? The challenges will be significant. But with Ocon departing and rookie Jack Doohan posing no apparent threat, Gasly steps into the leader’s role at a proper factory team.
How the Frenchman handles his new status will be interesting to watch, especially depending on the competitiveness of Alpine’s next design. One thing is clear: Gasly may need to bulk up those shoulders this winter!
