Alpine F1’s 2026 Gamble: Pierre Gasly Exposes the High Price of Prepping for the Future!
In a shocking revelation, Pierre Gasly has laid bare the struggles plaguing Alpine’s current Formula 1 season, linking them directly to the team’s ambitious plans for the 2026 regulations. Currently languishing in 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship, Gasly’s outlook is grim, and he doesn’t shy away from expressing his concerns about the looming challenges ahead.
The 2025 season has been nothing short of a disaster for Alpine. The team, which once had high hopes, has seen a dramatic shake-up, with Jack Doohan exiting the squad post-Miami GP, making way for Franco Colapinto. This upheaval came on the heels of the unexpected departure of team principal Oliver Oakes, who lasted less than a year in the role. Since then, Flavio Briatore has stepped in to manage the team, with Steve Nielsen set to join next month, adding another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
Gasly’s candid assessment reveals that the team’s focus on the future has severely hampered their current performance: “The reality of it is the car’s been the same since Barcelona, and will remain the same until the end of the year,” he stated, emphasizing the pressing need for a shift in strategy. He believes that the arrival of Nielsen could stabilize the team but acknowledges that his impact will be felt primarily in 2026 and beyond.
As the team readies to transition away from their Renault power units to a customer engine supply from Mercedes, the stakes have never been higher. The existing Renault engine has been criticized for its lack of power, presenting significant challenges in a season where every marginal gain counts. By opting for a customer supply, Alpine is not only saving millions but also positioning itself for potentially greater competitiveness in the future.
With most teams having shifted their focus from F1 2025 to the designs for next year, Gasly points out that the current pecking order is unlikely to change significantly. “It doesn’t mean we are doing a bad job at the track or back at the factory,” he insists, recognizing the tight midfield competition. However, the decisions made for 2026 have undeniably stifled the team’s ability to enhance their performance this season.
Gasly is pragmatic about the situation, admitting, “Whether you finish ninth or eighth, or 10th in the championship, [you’re] still fighting for nothing, pretty much.” Yet, he remains optimistic about the long-term vision: “If it gives you a car that can fight for race wins, podiums, or top fives next season, I’ll take that every day of the week.”
As the countdown to 2026 begins, Alpine F1 is walking a tightrope between present struggles and future aspirations. Can they turn the tide, or will they continue to pay the steep price of ambition? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the pressure is on!