Pierre Gasly remains optimistic about Alpine’s prospects for the 2026 Formula 1 season, even as the team struggles through a challenging and inconsistent 2024 campaign. Currently sitting at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine’s on-track performance has been far from competitive this year.
Since joining Alpine in 2023, the French driver has shown flashes of brilliance, including securing a podium finish. However, performance issues have plagued the team this season, with drivers often finding it difficult to break into the points and maintain positions in the top 10.
Despite these setbacks, Gasly believes that Alpine’s efforts will eventually pay off. Reflecting on his sixth-place finish at Silverstone, he expressed confidence that the team can rebuild and return to race-winning form, particularly with the introduction of the new 2026 regulations.
“At the end, I’m P6 I go back home. So you could say it’s only a P6 and nobody really cares about the P6 which in some ways is true. But then at the same time, I know my time will come,” he told RacingNews365.
“And you know what I’m working on at the moment, with Flavio [Briatore] to make sure I get a race winning package for next year.”
Leadership Changes and Their Impact on Alpine’s Progress
In a bid to stabilize the team, Alpine appointed Flavio Briatore as Executive Advisor in June 2024, marking his unexpected return to the organization. Although the team hoped his experience would immediately improve results, Alpine continues to face challenges during races.
Earlier in the year, Alpine also saw the departure of former team principal Oliver Oakes. Steve Nielsen has been signed as Managing Director, but he is not expected to join the team until September, leaving limited opportunity for mid-season improvements.
Gasly noted that performance levels have effectively plateaued since the Spanish Grand Prix and don’t anticipate meaningful enhancements during 2024. Instead, he bets on the groundwork being laid now to reveal its true benefits in 2026.
“The reality of it is the car has been the same since Barcelona and will remain the same until the end of the year,” he said (via F1). “On one side, you’ve got to be objective and realistic on what’s achievable.”
“Steve will arrive in September, and I think his impact and his work will be mainly seen on 2026 and beyond. Honestly, Steve’s got to focus on next year. We know all the work that we are putting for 2026. We are pleased with what we are doing and the evolution.”
“I’m confident. I believe in the team and the fact that they’ll be able to give me a competitive car next year.”
Gasly’s Perseverance Amid Mixed Race Results
Pierre Gasly’s results this season reflect the team’s overall struggles, with most finishes outside the points. However, when he has managed to break into the top 10, his performances have stood out, particularly his sixth place at Silverstone and seventh in Bahrain.
His determination to push Alpine forward remains evident, as he works closely with the team’s leadership to develop a car capable of vying for wins once the sport adopts the new technical rules in 2026. This plan marks a strategic shift, focusing on long-term competitiveness rather than immediate gains.
Gasly’s faith in Alpine’s future underlines a commitment to resilience in a tough season, signaling hope that the team can rise again when the regulations reset the playing field.