EXCLUSIVE: Pierre Gasly On Abu Dhabi Helmet Competition, Heartwarming Sir Jackie Stewart Moment, And 2024 Alpine

Pierre Gasly discusses the unique fan-designed helmet for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his tribute to François Cevert, and his views on the potential expansion of the F1 grid.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly recently partnered with Binance for a global helmet design contest, with the French driver sporting the winning design at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

The contest attracted over 700 entries from more than 140 countries. The winning design was chosen for its originality and its seamless blend of Binance's branding with Gasly's style.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, Gasly dives into the selection process of the winning design, his tribute helmet for François Cevert in Austin and his conversation with Sir Jackie Stewart, anticipated changes in the Alpine car for the upcoming 2024 season and his personal and professional goals for 2024.

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Lydia Mee: First of all, I loved the winning helmet design for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With over 700 entrants, how did you find the process of selecting the winning design and what was it that stood out with this design for you?

Pierre Gasly: "It was actually close to my original design for the season, but I loved the way Raul, the designer, kept the same features as my helmet and changed it according to the race. Abu Dhabi is a night race so as soon as I saw the golden details it was in the shortlist. With the last 5 contenders it was very hard to choose, but I preferred this one for the combination between my standard design and the beautiful details brought by the winner."

LM: How important is it for you to involve fans in aspects like helmet design?

PG: "I think it’s very important and we don’t do it as often as we could. Every time we release a special helmet design, fans are super excited and are asking for minis etc. The fact that we included fans in the design creation for this one is so special. We underestimate the number of people capable of amazing creations such as the ones we received for the Binance contest, it’s unbelievable. 

"I truly hope there will be more of these in the future, we more or less stay in our comfort zone in terms of design and seeing what others can do is refreshing in a way. I almost want to steal some ideas for my next designs."

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LM: When we last spoke you teased the tribute helmet for François Cevert in Austin, what was it that made you decide to choose this tribute and what was it like speaking with Sir Jackie Stewart about it?

PG: "We have a relationship with François Cevert’s nephew family so coming to Austin this year I immediately thought of doing something special to remember him 50 years after. The US grand prix holds a particular place in François Cevert’s legacy and memory, so it was only logical to pay him a tribute. 

"The decision was also encouraged by the fact that we would raise money for the François Cevert Collège in France, thanks to the sales of the mini helmets. I’ve always wanted to find ways of giving back to the F1 world, the fans, and shine light on a French driver, an icon, with this tribute. It’s not much from my side but it’s important to do it when we can. I wanted to recreate his design as it’s truly one the best vintage creations, and the best way to honor his elegance and talent. 

"We revealed it with Sir Jackie Stewart as he was François’s teammate for Tyrell at the time. They made an extraordinary team and Sir Jackie Stewart was telling me great stories of their time together, about the rivalry, the team spirit and how he was convinced Cevert would have made a great champion."

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LM: Mercedes mentioned they will be changing almost all aspects of the W14 for 2024, can fans expect to see big changes in the Alpine for next year?

PG: "Of course, we hope for a more competitive car. The team has done an amazing job this year where we brought 2 podiums home. They are already working very hard to bring us the best car possible, I know we have the team and the spirit to be competitive. We aim at more podiums and maybe more next year!"

LM: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the 2024 season, and how are you preparing to achieve them?

PG: "This year was my first with the team, so I had a small time of adaptation which went really well. Next year I will be even more committed to the challenge. We have the team to achieve great results so that’s what I’m focused on.

"Always working harder and harder, not taking anything for granted that’s how I’ve always prepared for a new season and that’s how I’ll grasp 2024. I want to win again for sure, the team does as well so that’s a big target but we’ll give everything."

LM: Speaking of the off-season, what does this typically look like for you?

PG: "Christmas with the family, seeing some friends you don’t really have the time for during the season and training camp after the holidays to come back healthier and stronger. I also try to find ways to give back when I can’t find the time during the season. I recently got engaged with a charity and attended an event this week to support their work."

LM: What do you see as the biggest challenge for you and Alpine in the upcoming season?

PG: "I think we’ve experienced a lot of change this season. Me being new and having to quickly adapt to the change was a challenge but I had a lot of help within the team which I’m grateful for. 

"We’re hungry for more and absolutely want to arrive in 2024 with a strong and reliable car. I think the winter break will be helpful to reset some things, rethink, and update for the better. Our biggest enemy is always ourselves, not the others, that’s why we need to be an even better version of a team than what it was this year."

LM: Alpine recently confirmed that they have re-opened discussions with Andretti Cadillac to be a potential engine partner if their bid to join the grid is successful. What are your thoughts on expanding the grid?

PG: "I think it shows that our sport is highly valuable at the moment. It’s not the first time the grid would have more than 20 drivers, I think the last time was in 2016 when there were 11 teams and 22 drivers. Ironically, that was the year before I was fortunate to join the grid in 2017. 

"One way to look at having more teams is the fact it acts as an expansion of opportunities for junior drivers. It could act as a good way to increase chances of those deserving to have a seat in Formula 1."