Pierre Gasly, from the Alpine F1 team, has rejected the idea that being affiliated with a manufacturer is essential for his future in Formula 1, amid rumors that Alpine may abandon Renault engines. Reports have emerged suggesting that Alpine is considering closing its engine division in Viry-Chatillon and becoming a customer team when new regulations are introduced in 2026. Since the implementation of the V6 turbo hybrid engines in 2014, Renault has struggled to keep up with its competitors and has been at a disadvantage since the engine freeze in 2022. Gasly did not confirm the validity of the speculations, but expressed unwavering confidence in Alpine’s top management to make the right decision. He emphasized that his main focus is to deliver optimal results and maximize the car’s performance. Gasly’s contract with Alpine expires at the end of the season, and he is considering his future with the team, as is his teammate Esteban Ocon. The French driver acknowledged that Alpine’s decision regarding their power unit for the upcoming regulatory changes will influence his decision-making process. Gasly emphasized the transparency of the conversations with the team and expressed confidence in his position. As a driver, he refrained from commenting on the matter, stating that he is primarily concerned about the team’s position and trusts the ongoing discussions.
Gasly had the experience of being part of a team that operates as a customer, instead of a factory team, when he was at Red Bull. He highlighted the obvious limitations that arise with this partnership. According to him, when you are a factory team, you have the freedom to set your own limits, which is a clear advantage. However, when you collaborate with another party, regulations are established to ensure equal treatment among all parties involved, especially when it comes to the engine. This means that as a customer team, you lose some of the flexibility that a factory team enjoys.
However, Gasly acknowledged that McLaren’s success in becoming a race winner last year proves that it is possible to achieve great feats even without being a factory team. He specifically mentioned McLaren as an example of what can be achieved without using their own engine. This shows that the balance between being a factory team and a customer team is something to consider. Ultimately, Gasly believes that it is crucial to have all options on the table and leave it to senior management to make the right decision for the team.
