Pierre Gasly has urged Alpine to demonstrate their competitive strength as the team prepares for a major shift in Formula 1’s technical landscape. The French driver emphasized the importance of Alpine’s 2026 chassis being capable of handling the expected boost from a new customer Mercedes engine, marking a departure from their current Renault power unit.
Alpine’s switch to Mercedes power comes amid Renault’s struggles to develop its engine following the 2022 development freeze, resulting in the closure of their Viry plant in 2024. Gasly highlighted the challenges this presents, pressing the team to meet the demands of the upcoming regulations and capitalize on the new performance potential.
Gasly Highlights Opportunities and Chassis Development as Key Priorities
Discussing the new rules, Gasly pointed out the significant opportunity for Alpine to improve their results under the changed Formula 1 regulations. He said,
The [new] regulations provide a much larger opportunity and potentially greater rewards, and that should be our primary focus.
—Pierre Gasly, Alpine Driver
While optimistic about Alpine’s progress in refining the car, Gasly also warned against assuming that the Mercedes engine upgrade alone will guarantee success, noting the importance of continuous chassis development alongside power unit improvements.
He acknowledged the extensive work happening at the factory level, often unnoticed by the public, and reinforced his confidence by stating,
I have faith in the process,
—Pierre Gasly, Alpine Driver
Alpine’s Upcoming Transformation and Its Wider Significance
The transition to Mercedes engines represents a pivotal moment for Alpine, as they aim to elevate their standing within the competitive field. Gasly’s firm stance and trust in his team underline Alpine’s dedication to optimizing every aspect of their car for 2026 and beyond.
As Formula 1 shifts gears with new regulations and enhanced technology, the Alpine team’s ability to harness the potential of the Mercedes engine will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. Their development journey will play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming season’s dynamics and the team’s future success.
