AlphaTauri unable to offer Gasly future guarantee

AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost has insisted Pierre Gasly's contract remains valid for next season but conceded his future is out of his hands.

With Oscar Piastri now confirmed as a McLaren driver for 2023, Gasly is heavily backed to join Alpine as replacement for the Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso.

Red Bull motorsports advisor Dr Helmut Marko has even suggested the Frenchman would not be refused a move if Alpine offer a suitable deal for his services.

Gasly's future was seemingly confirmed when Tost and the driver himself committed to a 2023 partnership at the Canadian Grand Prix, with the 2020 Italian GP winner expected to again spearhead the efforts of Red Bull's sister team.

But with Alpine's driver conundrum confirmed by the Contract Recognition Board ruling that McLaren holds the only valid contract for Piastri next year, a route out of AlphaTauri is now open for Gasly.

Asked if Gasly would be driving for the team next season, Tost simply replied: "Yes, he has a contract with AlphaTauri."

But on whether he could be released to a rival team, Tost added: "This is a decision from Red Bull."

Confirming the plans remain for Gasly to partner Yuki Tsunoda next year, the Italian said: "At this moment, yes."

Red Bull open door for Gasly exit

Marko, meanwhile, has given the strongest hint yet that Gasly could be on his way to create an all-French line-up at Alpine alongside Esteban Ocon.

The Austrian, speaking to Sky Germany, explained: "We have a valid contract for 2023, but in the meantime there are talks.

"If our conditions are met, we wouldn't stand in Gasly's way. It would be a dream come true for him to drive in a French factory team.

"But not all the conditions have been met yet."

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