“I Was Dropped All Alone”: Pierre Gasly Believes ‘Defenseless’ Rookies Should Be ‘Trained’ for Politics in F1

Six new drivers — Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson — will make their full-time F1 debuts in 2025, and naturally, a big spotlight will fall on them as they try to manage expectations. All of them come with a high reputation and will most likely dazzle the track. However, what could unfold behind the scenes, has Pierre Gasly worried.

Not too long ago, Gasly was in a similar situation, graduating from the Red Bull junior academy. 2017 was the Frenchman’s rookie season, and he saw firsthand, just how difficult it was to adjust to the world of F1.

“Believe me, it is very difficult if you come into Formula 1 as a young driver and, like me at the time, try to do that without a manager who can assist, advise, and guide you,” he told Formule1.nl.

Gasly was all alone in the paddock, and although he had trained extensively to cope with the speed of cars at the highest level of motorsport, navigating the politics was not quite the same.

“No one prepared me for the political games, what is going on, and what can happen,” he continued. “Nobody taught me to defend my interests: I was dropped all alone in a world that is extremely complex.” 

Thankfully, Gasly found the positive side of it all. Since he was thrown into the ocean on his own, he learned how to swim. “You learn a lot from a little injustice. And I quickly realized that I had to pull armor around me, otherwise, I wouldn’t stay upright.”

Now heading into his ninth season in F1, Gasly can almost call himself an experienced driver.

On the contrary, his new Alpine teammate for 2025, Doohan will be one of six rookies on the grid, presenting an opportunity for Gasly to act as the mentor he never had when he first walked through the gates.

Supporting Doohan could significantly benefit his performances, as the Aussie driver is already on the brink of losing his place before the season has even begun.

Doohan under pressure from Alpine’s reserve

Doohan was confirmed as Alpine’s new driver midway into the 2024 campaign, and it was a proud moment for the man who had patiently spent over a year as the French team’s reserve. But losing one reserve meant that the Enstone-based squad had to go on a hunt for another.

That’s how they roped Franco Colapinto in. This felt a bit perplexing, though, because they had already signed two test and reserve drivers — Paul Aron and Ryo Hirakawa. So, bringing in Colapinto meant only one thing — keeping him as a backup just in case Doohan fails.

The Argentine driver competed in nine races for Williams in 2024 as Logan Sargeant’s replacement, and he impressed. In fact, had there been a spot available by the time he showed his spark, he could have been the first choice for many teams, including Alpine. That is why, it felt a lot like an ultimatum for Doohan.

Reports suggested that he had signed only a five or ten-race deal after which his performances would be re-evaluated. If not deemed good enough, Colapinto — a driver who also brings in a ton of sponsorship money from Argentina — could be promoted.

Doohan, however, remained unfazed when asked about Colapinto. “I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver,” he said at the F1 75 launch event in London when asked about the 21-year-old.

How the situation unfolds as the 2025 season progresses will be interesting to see.