Pierre Gasly at AlphaTauri (2020–2022)

Pierre Gasly's three seasons with AlphaTauri from 2020 to 2022 represent a pivotal chapter in his Formula 1 career, establishing him as a proven race winner and a consistent midfield leader.

How it began

Gasly's return to what was then Toro Rosso (rebranded as AlphaTauri for 2020) in mid-2019 followed a challenging stint at Red Bull Racing. This demotion, while a setback, provided an opportunity for the French driver to rebuild his confidence and demonstrate his raw speed away from the intense spotlight of a front-running team. The new AlphaTauri identity, with its focus on fashion and a fresh start, mirrored Gasly's own need for a new narrative. He quickly found his rhythm, proving that his talent had not diminished, setting the stage for a remarkable run.

The partnership's character

The relationship between Pierre Gasly and AlphaTauri was defined by mutual trust and a shared ambition to punch above their weight. Gasly embraced the role of team leader, providing crucial feedback and consistently pushing the car to its limits. The team, in turn, built a car around his strengths, often excelling in specific conditions or on certain track layouts. This synergy allowed Gasly to extract maximum performance, turning promising weekends into significant points hauls. His technical understanding and ability to adapt were key, especially as the team navigated the evolving technical regulations overseen by the FIA — F1 World Championship. He became the benchmark for his teammates, including Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, who joined him later in the stint.

Key chapter in the seasons

The 2020 season was the undeniable highlight of this pairing. Gasly secured 75 points and a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, a moment that stands as one of the most unexpected wins of the hybrid era. This triumph at Monza was not a fluke; it was the culmination of consistent performance and seizing a rare opportunity. In 2021, Gasly continued his strong form, accumulating an impressive 110 points and securing a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He consistently outqualified and outraced many of his midfield rivals, demonstrating a level of performance that belied the team's resources. The AT02 car, in particular, seemed to suit his aggressive yet precise driving style. The 2022 season, however, presented a different challenge. With significant regulation changes, AlphaTauri struggled to find consistent pace, and Gasly's points tally dropped to 23. Despite the car's limitations, he continued to show flashes of brilliance, often dragging the AT03 into points-paying positions through sheer determination. The overall records for the period show Gasly competing in 61 races with AlphaTauri, securing 1 win and 2 podiums.