Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda

Picture Credit: Twitter

With only 9 races remaining in F1 2021 season, all the teams have already started their planning for the next year. A lot of exciting stuff has been happening in the drivers' market for 2022 season, with Valtteri Bottas moving to Alfa Romeo and George Russell going to Mercedes. Amid these exciting changes on the grid, AlphaTauri has also announced their line-up on Tuesday. The Italian team have decided to retain the duo of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming season.

“I’m pleased to announce today that we will keep both our drivers here at Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2022 season. Pierre’s development in the years has been impressive and in his time with us he managed to make it to all three steps of the podium... As a rookie, Yuki is only at the beginning of this journey, so it’s good that he can continue what we’ve started together," said team principal Franz Tost on the decision.

We can do even better in 2022: Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly has been one of the best drivers on the grid in last couple of seasons. While there were speculations that some of the other teams might want to secure his services, it was quite evident that the 25-year-old would continue at AlphaTauri only, considering the success he has had with the team in recent times. Gasly already has 66 points in F1 2021 season so far, including a podium to his name.

“I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish in the new era of F1 and to keep working with the team as best as I can to bring us forward in the team standings. This year has been very successful so far and I really believe we can work well together to do even better in 2022,” said Gasly.

I have a very good relationship with Pierre: Yuki Tsunoda

While Gasly has been quite impressive, it hasn't been a very fruitful season for Yuki Tsunoda who has only 18 points this season. However, it is only his rookie season and he has shown glimpses of his magic on the track which was enough for AlphaTauri to retain him.

“I have a very good relationship with Pierre, I have learnt a lot from him already this year and his experience has helped me to keep developing my own skills, so it’s great to be continuing my F1 journey with him. Having recently moved out to Faenza, I am feeling very settled within the team and am looking forward to the upcoming season,” said Tsunoda.

AlphaTauri are currently placed at 6th position in constructors' standings, with only six points behind Alpine. With their driver line-up sorted for next season, the focus of the team for the final part of the season would be to produce some consistent performances in order to secure that all-important 5th spot in the standings.