Gasly heads to Alpine in 2023 after a difficult final year with the Faenza team, which struggled to find form for much of the season.
The Frenchman says his former colleagues are confident the new AT04 will be the best car they have built to date.
He admits that with all the teams developing their cars for the second season of the current rules, it is difficult to predict the form, and therefore where his new team will stand against their rivals.
“In this sport, it’s so hard to know what’s going to happen from year to year,” he said. “We were top of midfield last season, this year we were back in midfield and next season who knows what’s going to happen?
“Maybe AlphaTauri, and I know they’re completely changing the concept of the car, will be back in the fight. It’s hard to say.
“I think what’s important is just to work and prepare in the best possible way for next year. And, and yes, I’m crossing my fingers that the Alpine package will be even stronger than ‘he wasn’t this year.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpha Tauri AT03
Photo by: AlphaTauri
Gasly pointed out that the AlphaTauri camp is optimistic about the prospects of getting on the grid next year.
“Let’s hope that changes my position for good,” he said. “But at the same time, you never know. We talked about it with the [AlphaTauri] guys too.
“They’re telling me their car next year is the best they’ve ever had and they’re going to fight out front!
“And that’s normal, and then when you talk in the paddock, everyone takes huge steps forward and God knows what’s going to happen.
“I hope we are fighting in front, maybe we are fighting for the podiums, for the race wins or for the top five. Or it could be a tougher season.
“Usually teams have different designers and they change designers from season to season. So there are still carryovers from one year to the next, but yes, there could be surprises. So we will know at the beginning of next year.
“Alpine had a fantastic season, finishing fourth in the championship, beating McLaren, so they clearly have a good package. And the next target is the big three.
“So we’ll try to push as hard as we can, but I’m sure there will be some incredible results to be had with the team.”
