Pierre Gasly has signed a contract extension with Alpine to the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season.

The 29-year-old Frenchman, winner of one grand prix, joined the Renault-owned team for the 2023 season, and has scored two podiums for them.

The move signals faith in Gasly from executive director Flavio Briatore, who was not at the team when the driver initially joined.

Briatore said: “Since I returned to the team, I have always stated how important it is to build and grow the competitiveness of the Alpine F1 team.

“We’re well prepared for the new era of F1, beginning in 2026, and now we have our lead driver confirmed to bring us well into the future.

“Pierre has been an immense asset for the team during this challenging period. I have been very impressed with his attitude, dedication and talent and we look forward to continuing this project together for a long time.”

Gasly said: “I’m thrilled to commit my long-term future to Alpine. As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company, makes me feel very proud. Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future.”

Gasly joined Alpine from Red Bull’s second team, then called AlphaTauri, for who he won the Italian Grand Prix in 2020.

Alpine have not made a decision on their second driver for 2026 as yet.

The seat alongside Gasly has been occupied by Argentine Franco Colapinto since the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May.

He replaced Australian Jack Doohan, who was stood down and returned to a reserve driver role after competing in the first six races of the season.

Alpine had been hoping for another proven driver to fill the seat alongside Gasly, but their options have narrowed considerably since Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez signed for the new Cadillac team.