Pierre Gasly has outlined the 2026 Formula 1 season, complete with new regulations, as Alpine’s “best shot” in a decade to achieve success.
The Enstone-based squad has struggled this season and sits bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, amid a mid-season driver change involving Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan.
Alpine has implemented belt-tightening measures over the last couple of years, with Flavio Briatore making some big decisions since taking over as Executive Advisor.
Briatore, who is currently interim Team Principal, has stated he is of the belief that the team can be successful once the new regulations are implemented next year, and drew on Red Bull’s rise to the top as an inspiration.
The maverick Italian has overseen the outfit’s most successful periods before, in its previous guises as Benetton and latterly Renault, and Gasly was in agreement that the new rules give the team a big opportunity.
“Yeah, I mean I think we align, I mean I talk a lot with Flavio, I think as a team we’re all aware of the opportunities that the new regulation brings,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“We probably know that it’s our best chance and best shot as a team over the last 10-12 years. It’s a complete revamp, you start from a complete new page, it’s going to be a change of PU which is obviously a big big thing for the team and you know, we’ve tried the car and the simulator, it’s very different to what we’re seeing now.
“So I think it’s a great challenge, like a technical challenge for our team. I can see that the staff and the experience, the processes we are putting in place at the factory are much better than when I joined in 2023.
“So there is everything to bring that optimism into the team and being aware that clearly there is that huge opportunity that we must seize from next year on.”
Alpine ‘working super hard’ for 2026
Colapinto is far from guaranteed to be part of the race team next year, having struggled since taking Doohan’s place over the triple-header.
The Argentine has yet to score points, and with uncertainty as to how many races he has left to prove himself, Doohan could jump back in, or could turn to one of its other reserve drivers, superlicences permitting.
But he is looking ahead to next year, and praised the team’s hard work in getting itself in a good position to produce a competitive car.
“When you go into 2026 with new cars, new regulations, it’s tricky to exactly know where the teams are going to be,” Colapinto said. “But I’m sure we are doing a great job in the factory.
“The guys are working super hard to try and focus on the 2026 car. And it’s very exciting when something new comes back and all that work and all that development starts again.
“So back in Enstone, it’s going to get really, really busy. And the boys are working really hard to try and get the best package possible for next year. And I think some great changes are going on in the team, focusing on 2026.
“And it’s definitely going to be a step forward, hopefully fighting for podiums, wins. As Flavio said, I’m sure he’s driving the team forward very well and, yeah, just focusing on the right areas.”
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