Pierre Gasly Eyes Victory as Alpine Pivots to 2026 Title Hopes

Pierre Gasly is entering his prime with a singular focus: winning. As Alpine prepares to unveil its A526 challenger, the French driver is banking on the team’s aggressive early pivot to 2026 regulations and a switch to Mercedes power units to transform their fortunes after a dismal 2025 season.

Why it matters:

After finishing last in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, Alpine effectively waved the white flag on the current season to maximize resources for the new regulatory era. For Gasly, who turns 29 this year, this represents a critical opportunity to escape the midfield and prove his talent with a competitive car, something he hasn't consistently had since his Red Bull days.

The details:

• The A526 Project: Alpine will pull the covers off its new car on January 23, just three days before the shakedown test in Barcelona. The team hopes the early focus on 2026 will allow them to leapfrog the competition.
• Power Unit Switch: The team is ditching its in-house power unit for a customer Mercedes engine. Gasly believes this change, combined with the new chassis, could finally provide the platform he needs to fight for victories.
• Driver Commitment: Gasly emphasized his dedication, stating he is willing to do "more work or more preparation" to extract every ounce of performance. He noted that at this stage in his career, "I just want to win."
• Technical Complexity: The 2026 regulations introduce active aerodynamics and a significantly larger electrical component. Gasly highlighted the increased mental load, comparing the modern complexity to the purity of Ayrton Senna’s 1984 Toleman, noting that drivers must now be strategic with energy deployment, not just speed.

What's next:

The upcoming pre-season testing will be the first real indicator of whether Alpine’s gamble has paid off. Gasly is spending significant time in the simulator to master the new energy management systems, knowing that adapting quickly to the "big change" in driving style will be essential to capitalize on any potential pace.