Flavio Briatore, the head of Alpine, emphasized the critical role Pierre Gasly plays in the team’s present and future, especially in developing their new car. Briatore highlighted that Gasly’s expertise and intelligence are indispensable, and noted that for the 2026 season, raw driver talent alone will not suffice due to new Formula 1 regulations focused on energy management. The recent Pierre Gasly contract extension guarantees his presence at Alpine until at least 2028, underlining the team’s commitment to him despite a challenging current season.
Since joining Alpine at the start of the 2023 season, Gasly has become a key figure in the team’s strategy, especially with the recent contract renewal. Some critics have questioned this decision given Alpine’s struggles this year, but Briatore remains confident that Gasly’s skills and experience in car setup are vital as the team prepares for future competitiveness.
Briatore’s Confidence in Gasly’s Impact on Alpine’s Development
Briatore explained that ensuring Gasly’s future with Alpine was the team’s priority, recognizing the driver as a major asset during difficult times. He stressed that when Gasly is presented with a car he trusts, his pace matches that of the best on the grid.
“Priority number one was to extend Pierre Gasly’s contract until 2028,” Briatore told AmUS). “We managed to do that. Pierre is an immensely important asset for us at a time that is not easy. Give him a car he trusts, and he is as fast as the best.”
“I am impressed by his talent, his commitment, and his attitude. He knows what he wants from the car, he is intelligent and has a lot of experience.”
Briatore acknowledged the challenges the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations will bring, which emphasize energy conservation and strategic driving skills. He insisted that the future competition will rely heavily on a combination of driver intelligence and technical prowess rather than just natural speed.
Gasly’s Confidence in Alpine’s Future Competitiveness
Despite Alpine’s current difficulties in the Constructors’ Championship, where they sit near the bottom with just 20 points, Gasly remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He believes Alpine has all the necessary ingredients to develop a highly competitive car in the near future, especially under Briatore’s leadership.
“I think we got all the ingredients in the team to actually deliver a competitive car from next years on. People have got to believe in it,” Pierre Gasly said (via GPBlog). “Same as when you drive, if you have the belief you’re going to make it you always get those last couple of hundreds and extra performance out of it.”
“I would say that’s probably the only thing we miss, because we’ve got all the other ingredients to actually deliver a very strong race car from next season,” he added.
The switch in Alpine’s engine supplier is a significant factor expected to enhance their performance. Currently, Alpine runs Renault engines, which have faced reliability and competitiveness issues in recent seasons. Transitioning to Mercedes power units is anticipated to provide a substantial boost, potentially allowing Alpine to climb the standings in upcoming races.
Challenges Ahead and the Road to Competitiveness
At 29 years old, Pierre Gasly faces the challenge of helping Alpine recover from a disappointing season, characterized by inconsistent results. However, Briatore and Gasly both appear confident that the combination of technical improvements, better power units, and Gasly’s leadership will restore Alpine’s competitiveness. The 2026 technical regulations will demand an even more analytical approach to driving, making Gasly’s intelligence and racecraft an asset for the team.
This extended commitment reflects Alpine’s long-term vision, focusing on detailed car development and strategic thinking more than just driver raw speed. With experience gained from veterans like Gasly, and improved resources such as Mercedes engines, Alpine aims to rise again in the highly competitive Formula 1 grid.
