Before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2025, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly revealed that the team has essentially paused its efforts to improve the car during this season. The French squad currently languishes at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, accumulating only 20 points, which is 24 points fewer than ninth-placed Haas. Gasly has been the sole contributor to Alpine’s points tally, while teammate Franco Colapinto has faced continuous difficulties, leading to his designation as one of the largest losers at the Azerbaijan race.
Gasly openly acknowledged the challenges explaining the team’s decision to abandon car upgrades early in the season.
“We know [about the struggles], and I’ve backed the team from the first day — start of the year — to fully commit on to 2026. We made some tactical decisions not to develop that car, to stop the development very early on.”
This development freeze came as Alpine prioritized the 2026 season, hoping to capitalize on upcoming regulation changes rather than continue struggling in 2025.
Impact of Regulation Changes and Throughout-Season Setbacks
Gasly highlighted that Alpine initially started the year competitively but suffered setbacks partly due to evolving regulations, which affected performance relative to rivals.
“[We] probably got affected also by the couple of changes of regulation through the year, which meant we started in an okay place and probably lost performance through the year when others managed to develop a tiny bit more.”
These regulatory tweaks, combined with the halted development, contributed to Alpine falling further behind competitors over the season, leaving the team struggling to keep pace with mid-field rivals.
Continued Struggles on Race Days but Glimmers of Hope
At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Alpine’s results were particularly disappointing, with both cars finishing in 18th and 19th place. Gasly admitted to feeling less confident behind the wheel compared to earlier in the year but expressed determination to improve.
“I am not feeling great in the car right now, like I did earlier in the season – that is something we need to turnaround. This is the package we have and I know we will sit down together, work hard and aim to come back stronger from the next race.”
Despite the difficulties, Gasly’s attitude suggests a readiness to rebuild and push for better results as the season progresses.
Alpine’s Official Message Sparks Concern Among Fans
Following the lackluster performances in Azerbaijan, Alpine posted a statement on social media that surprised many fans. The team acknowledged their current package’s limitations and appeared resigned to a tough end to the 2025 campaign.
With our current package, we know the last few races will be tough.Time to see out 2025 and keep pushing back at base. pic.twitter.com/XJ1lqejD6K — BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) September 22, 2025
This message was met with frustration among supporters, some of whom criticized the team for abandoning efforts to improve this season and wasting a year of Gasly’s peak racing career, especially as the driver nears 30 years old.
season so bad, even the team gave up https://t.co/U1tOWhhpWy
These sentiments underscore the growing disappointment with Alpine’s current trajectory in Formula 1.
Looking Ahead: Gasly’s Contract Extension and 2026 Regulations
While the present circumstances at Alpine are clouded by uncertainty and dissatisfaction, Gasly’s recent contract renewal offers some stability and hope for the future. With substantial regulation changes slated for 2026, many anticipate a reshuffling of the competitive order. Alpine’s early commitment to next year’s car development could position them well if they capitalize on those changes.
Given Gasly’s experience and the team’s strategic shift towards 2026, the upcoming season might bring a much-needed resurgence, but the remainder of 2025 is expected to be challenging as the team focuses on rebuilding for a stronger return.
With our current package, we know the last few races will be tough.
Time to see out 2025 and keep pushing back at base. pic.twitter.com/XJ1lqejD6K
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) September 22, 2025
season so bad, even the team gave up https://t.co/U1tOWhhpWy
— ian (@ianksmi) September 23, 2025
i forgot alpine existed https://t.co/W0zJb8QsbB
— jadyn (@scuderiacomplex) September 22, 2025
We really finished LAST in the CC
Literally wasted a year of Pierre’s career.
We better make up for it next year… https://t.co/Q3nrRM3wno
— HennyIsland10 (@BHill1417) September 22, 2025
