Pierre Gasly Demands Alpine Raises Standards for 2026 F1 Revival

Pierre Gasly is demanding that his Alpine team elevate its standards through the remainder of the 2025 season, viewing the upcoming 2026 regulation changes as the 'best opportunity' for a significant F1 resurgence. The team has endured a challenging year at the back of the grid, but an engine switch to Mercedes customer power and internal restructuring offer a glimmer of hope.

Why it matters:

Alpine's current struggles underscore the critical need for a major reset. With a new power unit supplier (Mercedes) and a complete overhaul of technical regulations in 2026, this period represents a pivotal moment for Gasly and the team to lay the groundwork for a competitive future. Failing to capitalize on this opportunity could relegate them to persistent midfield status, while success could see them challenge closer to the front.

The Details:

• Current Performance Woes: Alpine has been a backmarker in 2025, with Gasly's last points finish being a 10th place in Belgium. The team is currently at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship, 26 points behind Haas.
• Engine Switch for 2026: A significant change for Alpine will be the transition from its in-house Renault power unit to Mercedes customer engines. This move is expected to address the current power deficit compared to rivals.
• Gasly's Leadership: Despite the difficult season, Gasly is actively pushing the team. He emphasizes ensuring that standards "are as high as they need to be" in the final races of the current season to properly prepare for 2026.
  • He explicitly stated: "I literally don't care about whether I like [the new regulations] or not, I just want to be at the front of the grid. It's probably not going to be as enjoyable as the car we're driving now, but I'm not enjoying being P17 every weekend."
• Internal Restructuring: Gasly highlighted the belief in ongoing changes within the team, including new personnel and evolving processes.
• Wind Tunnel Advantage: Alpine's current lowly position in the standings grants them increased wind tunnel time, which is a crucial advantage for developing their 2026 challenger. This, coupled with early-season decisions, is seen as a strategic benefit.

What's Next:

Gasly sees 2026 as the most significant chance for himself and Alpine to make a leap forward. The combination of a proven engine supplier in Mercedes, internal changes, and the strategic advantage in development time paints a cautiously optimistic picture. The coming months will be crucial for Alpine to ensure their preparations are meticulous, transforming their theoretical advantages into on-track performance when the new regulations kick in. If they can effectively manage this transition and development phase, they might surprise the grid and finally contend at the sharp end.