Pierre Gasly Demands Alpine to Step Up Ahead of Groundbreaking F1 Transformation
In a bold move, Pierre Gasly has set the bar high for Alpine, urging the team to ensure that their 2026 chassis can withstand the anticipated surge from a Mercedes engine upgrade. The French team is set to transition from a Renault power unit to a customer Mercedes supply in 2026, with speculations suggesting that the Mercedes engines will reign supreme in Formula 1’s new era of regulations.
With Renault facing challenges in enhancing its power unit post the 2022 development freeze, leading to the closure of production in Viry in 2024, Gasly is adamant that Alpine must deliver on their end of the bargain. Gasly, addressing the media, including RacingNews365, emphasized the significance of the upcoming changes, stating, “The [new] regulations provide a much larger opportunity and potentially greater rewards, and that should be our primary focus.”
Gasly expressed confidence in the team’s efforts, acknowledging the optimism and determination within the factory to fine-tune the car. However, he also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the performance of the Mercedes engine, cautioning that past successes do not guarantee future dominance. Gasly stressed the importance of refining the chassis, acknowledging the progress made but emphasizing the continuous pursuit of excellence.
“I have faith in the process,” Gasly affirmed, shedding light on the team’s behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. While acknowledging the buzz surrounding headline-grabbing changes, Gasly emphasized that impactful transformations may not always generate the most noise.
As Alpine gears up for a transformative period in F1, Gasly’s directive underscores the team’s commitment to maximizing their potential in the upcoming season. With the spotlight on Alpine’s evolution and the integration of Mercedes power, the F1 community eagerly anticipates the team’s performance on the track.
Join RacingNews365’s experts, Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, and Nick Golding, as they delve into the Austrian Grand Prix weekend’s key talking points, including Lando Norris’ response post-Canada and the looming threat of a race ban for Max Verstappen. For a more immersive experience, catch the podcast to stay abreast of the latest F1 updates.