Pierre Gasly revealed the reasons behind extending his contract with Alpine, surprising many in the Formula 1 community. The French driver committed to a three-year deal with the Enstone-based team amid a period of uncertainty and declining car performance.
Gasly’s decision came at a challenging time for Alpine, as the team struggled with its A525 car, which had fallen steadily down the competitive rankings this season. Despite Alpine’s ongoing internal changes and disappointing results, Gasly expressed confidence in the mutual commitment between himself and the team, which influenced his choice to stay.
Gasly Reflects on Contract Extension Amid Team Challenges
After the Italian Grand Prix, Gasly discussed his contract talks with the press, acknowledging that exploring options outside Alpine was a standard part of the process. He emphasized that the decision required careful consideration given Alpine’s start to the season.
“Of course I did [look elsewhere],” said Gasly. “It’s just the normal stuff to do. It’s not like it was a no-brainer looking at the performance at the start of the year. There is some thinking behind it.
“But honestly, I believe this is a very strong option. Just got to wait and display some good performance from next season. I think it’s good to have some clarity and show my commitment on both ends. From the team towards me and me towards the team.”
“And with the group of people that I’m working with, I’m feeling in a much better place than I was when I arrived. So I think it’s very clear. I think it [the contract extension] can only be positive for everyone on the team,” he added.
The 29-year-old driver pointed out that the clear mutual commitment between him and Alpine was key, and he felt more comfortable in his environment compared to when he first joined. He believes the extension will benefit both parties moving forward.
Alpine’s Ongoing Performance Struggles This Season
Alpine’s difficulties have marked this season, with the team languishing near the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, collecting only 20 points so far. The A525 car has failed to keep pace with rivals, leading to poor results and a lack of consistency on the track.
The team has also encountered problems in securing a reliable second driver, with both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto falling short of expectations. Neither teammate has managed to earn points, with Colapinto’s best finish being 11th place at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
Alpine has struggled to score in the majority of races, failing to earn points in 11 of the 16 events this year. Their most recent points came at the Belgian Grand Prix held at Spa, highlighting the team’s ongoing battle to regain competitiveness.
Flavio Briatore Addresses Alpine’s Teammate Decision for 2026
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive adviser and informal team principal, shared his thoughts on who might join Pierre Gasly as a teammate in 2026. Speaking during the Italian Grand Prix, Briatore stressed that no decision had been finalized yet.
When asked by Sky Sports F1 about the choice for Gasly’s teammate, Briatore praised Franco Colapinto’s recent improvements, acknowledging the learning curve for young drivers adapting to Formula 1.
“No, not yet. For the moment, I believe Franco is doing a good job. He paid a little bit of inexperience in the beginning, like a lot of the rookies and young drivers. Now in the last three or four races, he’s been much more consistent.” —Flavio Briatore, Executive Adviser
Briatore also suggested that Colapinto remains a contender for the seat, with several races left to evaluate his progress before a final call in November.
“Maybe it will be Franco, we will see. We have another four or five races to judge, and then we will see. In November, we need to make a decision.” —Flavio Briatore, Executive Adviser
Implications of Gasly’s Commitment and Team Dynamics
Gasly’s extension signals a vote of confidence in Alpine despite the team’s turbulent season and management changes. His commitment may provide necessary stability as Alpine works to develop their car and improve results in the coming years.
The team’s decision on the second driver will also be crucial for the 2026 campaign, as Alpine looks to build a more competitive lineup alongside Gasly. The choices made this autumn could shape Alpine’s trajectory amid the increasingly competitive Formula 1 landscape.
Overall, Gasly’s renewed contract reflects a desire to stay invested in Alpine’s progress, while the team continues navigating challenges both on the track and within its driver lineup.
