Pierre Gasly News, interviews, analysis & reaction - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/gasly/ Motorsport Week is an independent, FIA accredited motorsport website delivering the latest Formula 1, Formula E, GP2, GP3, WEC, IndyCar, Nascar, Formula 3, WRC, WRX, DTM, IMSA and MotoGP news and results. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:38:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Pierre Gasly News, interviews, analysis & reaction - Motorsport Week https://www.motorsportweek.com/tag/gasly/ 32 32 Pierre Gasly reveals ‘strong bond’ with Flavio Briatore as Alpine aims for F1 glory https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/26/pierre-gasly-reveals-strong-bond-with-flavio-briatore-as-alpine-aims-for-f1-glory/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/26/pierre-gasly-reveals-strong-bond-with-flavio-briatore-as-alpine-aims-for-f1-glory/#respond Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:38:38 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220549 Pierre Gasly has revealed the "stronger bond" he has created with Flavio Briatore at Alpine

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he and Flavio Briatore have created a "stronger bond" the longer they work together, as Alpine aim to reach the top of F1.

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Pierre Gasly has revealed the "stronger bond" he has created with Flavio Briatore at Alpine

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he and Flavio Briatore have created a “stronger bond” the longer they work together, as Alpine aim to reach the top of Formula 1.

The Italian re-entered the F1 fold as Executive Advisor at the Enstone-based squad last May, where he enjoyed successful stints at the helm of Benetton and Renault.

Since this May, Briatore has been back in his usual territory on the pit wall, acting as de facto Team Principal, after the resignation of former boss Oliver Oakes.

But the team has not enjoyed a happy season, failing to capitalise on its late-season surge in 2024, in which it snatched sixth in the Constructors’ Championship from Haas.

The A525 challenger has been the runt of the F1 litter this year, and Gasly has worked minor miracles to secure all the 20 points it has secured so far.

It appears that Gasly and Briatore are enjoying a healthy working relationship, something he has confirmed, praising his unlimited quest for putting the team in the big time.

“I must say, [the media] probably knows him and has more stories than I because I only really got to know him since he arrived last year,” Gasly told RacingNews365.

“You need time to open up and understand each other’s personalities, and at the start, it was all-track focused. 

“The more we work together, we create a stronger bond and now we have started to know a bit more about each person and how we act.

“He invited me onto his boat, and I spent some time with him, and it is good to see what his vision is, what he wants from the team. He’s been a very successful businessman and has a lot of experience in F1, but also outside of F1. He is a true leader.”

Gasly said that his and Briatore’s goals are very much aligned, saying that he wants to help create an Alpine team that will ultimately enable him to challenge for victories.

“That is what I want at the end of the day, I want to win, and that is what I want in my career,” he said.

“I want to finish my career knowing I don’t want to compete in F1, I want to win in F1, and I want to build a team that can give me a car to race and fight for wins.

“Some teams, obviously, want it, but the reality is they’ll always settle for the midfield. Flavio doesn’t have any limits, not even the sky is the limit for Flavio. 

“He is really committed to Formula 1 and the team to put Enstone back on top as he did some years ago, and obviously things have evolved, but he’s very much aware of that and he wants to make it happen, and is putting the work in.”

Pierre Gasly has led the line during a difficult 2025 season for Alpine
Pierre Gasly has led the line during a difficult 2025 season for Alpine

Gasly believes Alpine is ‘in a decent place’ for 2026

Gasly expanded on how he is observing Briatore oversee a change of mentality within Enstone, further aided by the arrival of new personnel, including Steve Nielsen as Managing Director.

“I have a very good relationship with Flavio and the key management in the team, and I can really see where their mindset is, the processes that are changing and what is actually evolving,” he said.

“I would be worried right now if nothing changed because we’re obviously not in a good place, but we have a lot of great people, we have great staff, and we are adding key people to the factory. 

“We are starting with brand-new regulations, and fortunately, with the situation we are in, we have more wind-tunnel time for next season compared to the other teams.”

Gasly acknowledged that there will have to be a time to adapt from being a works team to a customer, as it will be with Mercedes next year, but believes there are good foundations in place for the year ahead.

“We have the change of engine manufacturer, which is going to take some adaptation, but we know that on paper, we are in a decent place for next year,” he explained.

“So for me, I’m just trying to grind my way through 2025, keeping my motivation up, and whenever I have a steering wheel in my hands, I need to give my best to deliver the best job I can.”

“It can be finding personal challenges to keep me motivated and also building the team that I need next year if we have a car which can fight for the top five or podiums or wins”

READ MOREThe revised role Pierre Gasly is revelling in at Alpine in F1 2025

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The revised role Pierre Gasly is revelling in at Alpine in F1 2025 https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/19/the-revised-role-pierre-gasly-is-revelling-in-at-alpine-in-f1-2025/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/19/the-revised-role-pierre-gasly-is-revelling-in-at-alpine-in-f1-2025/#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:04:24 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=220023 Pierre Gasly is relishing his new role as de facto team leader in Alpine's F1 squad

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he is adapting to the role of being de facto team leader at Alpine since the start of this year's F1 season.

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Pierre Gasly is relishing his new role as de facto team leader in Alpine's F1 squad

Pierre Gasly has revealed how he is adapting to the role of being the de facto team leader at Alpine since the start of this year’s Formula 1 season.

The Frenchman has been, by default, made the number one driver at the Enstone-based squad, with former team-mate Esteban Ocon departing to rivals Haas.

Gasly was initially paired with Jack Doohan, but the Australian rookie was replaced from the start of the European leg by Franco Colapinto.

Alpine has struggled to maintain its status as one of the leading midfield teams, currently languishing at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship.

All of its 20 points have been scored by Gasly, who has produced a number of underrated performances this year in the underwhelming A525.

In an interview with RacingNews365, Gasly explained how he is tackling the newfound role, and is happy to have the influence over the team.

“Yeah, I think it’s being more aware of… many things,” he said. “I’ve always had the speed.

“Then, you need the consistency, you need the team to work; [you] need to work for the team, but then the team to work for you.

“And by both having this type of mentality, you get more out of the team and get more out of yourself, the package, etc.

“So, yeah, I must say, I’m pleased I have more responsibilities in the team, more leadership.

“Obviously, with Jack and Franco, it puts more weight on myself, which I like, and also the team, we’re all driving in the direction which suits me to just perform and get the best out of the car.”

The Frenchman has held supremacy over his two team-mates so far this year
Pierre Gasly has outclassed his two team-mates at Alpine in 2025

Gasly reaffirms belief in long-term Alpine ‘project’

Gasly arrived at Alpine with the team seemingly centred around Ocon, which led to questions as to why he would choose to vacate his seat at Red Bull’s sister team.

But with increased focus appearing to be shifting towards Gasly, which has been even more apparent since Ocon’s exit, he has built a strong relationship with Alpine.

“I must say, I’m happy [with] the way I work with the team,” he expressed.

“I’m very competitive, and regardless of the performance of the car, you can say it’s frustrating at times, because, obviously, I’m not in F1 to fight for some P15s or 10th place.

“But, at the end of the day, I’m with the team for a longer project. I believe in the project. I know where we’re heading, I know we are making a lot of good changes.

“And, fortunately, that’s just a step on the way, which is not the most pleasant, but I’m sure we’ll come out stronger as a team.”

Gasly recently stated he would take being last for every remaining race this year “every day of the week”, provided it would mean Alpine has a car for 2026 that can seriously challenge.

The 29-year-old reiterated the team’s stance that it is realigning its aims from what has been a tricky year, and is confident in what it is building for next year.

“A lot of the stuff we are building, questioning in what we’re doing, changing, I’m sure, will pay dividends in the future,” he concluded.

“Now we have the car we’ve had since Barcelona. We can’t expect to suddenly make a miracle with where we are, and we knew it when we decided to have this strategy for ’26.”

READ MORE – Pierre Gasly casts cryptic take on Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull woes

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Pierre Gasly casts cryptic take on Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull woes https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/13/pierre-gasly-casts-cryptic-take-on-yuki-tsunodas-red-bull-woes/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/13/pierre-gasly-casts-cryptic-take-on-yuki-tsunodas-red-bull-woes/#respond Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:31:43 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219527 Pierre Gasly has revealed there is "some stuff that can't be said" about Yuki Tsunoda's issues at Red Bull

Pierre Gasly has delivered a cryptic take on Yuki Tsunoda's current problems at F1 giants Red Bull, saying he knows "some stuff that can't be said".

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Pierre Gasly has revealed there is "some stuff that can't be said" about Yuki Tsunoda's issues at Red Bull

Pierre Gasly has delivered a cryptic take on Yuki Tsunoda‘s current problems at Formula 1 giants Red Bull, saying he knows “some stuff that can’t be said”.

The Japanese driver has endured a torrid season at the Milton Keynes-based squad, having taken the place of Liam Lawson after two Grands Prix.

Tsunoda has struggled to get close to team-mate Max Verstappen in the RB21, scoring just seven points in 12 races.

Furthermore, his 17th-place finish in Hungary saw him set the unwanted record of having the longest points-less run of any driver in Red Bull’s 20-year history.

Gasly experienced his own problems at the team, having been signed up to partner Verstappen in 2019, before being sent back to junior squad Toro Rosso before the end of the year.

Speaking to RacingNews365, Gasly talked of the problems his former AlphaTauri team-mate Tsunoda was having, making his enigmatic statement.

“What’s tricky is my time, a lot of things can’t be said, because you’re a driver, you’re working for a team, and as a professional, you can’t share all the information on the specific situations,” the Frenchman said.

“Talking with Yuki, I know some stuff that can’t be said, and it’s not easy. It’s not easy to be in this situation.

“You try to do what’s best for the team, and sometimes you get given something to make it work, and sometimes you’re in a situation where, for different reasons, it can’t quite work the way you like.”

The Japanese driver has scored only seven points in his time at Red Bull this year
Yuki Tsunoda has scored only seven points in his time at Red Bull this year

Gasly offers Tsunoda advice to make Red Bull turnaround

Tsunoda’s future, at least in the short term, looks secure, with Helmut Marko having previously intimated the 25-year-old will last to the end of the current campaign.

But the Austrian has recently revealed that it is during the summer break – into which F1 has just entered – where the team usually evaluates its second drivers.

This is the point where Gasly lost his drive, and was swapped in favour of Alex Albon, triggering what many have felt since to be its cursed second seat alongside Verstappen.

The Alpine driver has stated that he is in communication with Tsunoda on a friendly basis to offer advice in the hope that he can remedy his current woe.

“So, knowing from experience, I just try to chat as a friend and just advise on stuff that may help him,” Gasly added.

“And I think ultimately, it’s up to him and the team to make it work and do the right things for it to work.”

READ MORE Max Verstappen debunks long-standing Red Bull F1 theory

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F1 drivers implore solution to ‘chicken-and-egg’ situation with wet-weather racing https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/11/f1-drivers-implore-solution-to-chicken-and-egg-situation-with-wet-weather-racing/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/11/f1-drivers-implore-solution-to-chicken-and-egg-situation-with-wet-weather-racing/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:06:54 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219400 Wet-weather F1 races have produced much debate over recent years

F1 drivers, including Pierre Gasly, have urged for a solution to a "chicken-and-egg" situation regarding visibility during races affected by wet weather.

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Wet-weather F1 races have produced much debate over recent years

Formula 1 drivers, including Pierre Gasly, have urged for a solution to a “chicken-and-egg” situation regarding visibility during Grands Prix affected by wet weather.

The issue has been simmering during the ground effect era of F1 for some time, but reached a boiling point at the Belgian Grand Prix last month.

Changeable and inclement conditions saw the race delayed by race control for over an hour, leading to an array of contentious opinions from a number of drivers.

Some, including Lewis Hamilton, felt the delay was an overreaction sparked by similarly unpredictable weather at the British Grand Prix earlier that month.

There was also a secondary factor of drivers, who had taken the weather into account regarding their race strategy, were angry that their set-ups were rendered useless.

Other individuals, including McLaren boss Andrea Stella, were more diplomatic on the situation, believing erring on the side of caution was the correct thing to do.

Naturally, these incidents have triggered conversations as to how these issues can be dealt with in the future in such a way that the elements would not block racing from a safety aspect.

Ground effect cars, by default, will cause more spray to be produced from them, often spawned from heavy diffusers and low ride height set-ups.

2026’s cars will be less reliant on ground effect, as they have flatter bottoms which, in theory, should curb the amount of spray being kicked up from one car into the path of another.

This, plus narrower tyres, might help in terms of reducing the dangers of visibility, but the problem is still being discussed as omnipresent into next year.

Gasly revealed that the solutions have been discussed, such as closed-wheel designs to mitigate spray, but acknowledged there is a disconnect between racing in these conditions, and the wet tyre compounds being rendered pointless.

“We know the spray is definitely not great with these cars,” the Frenchman told media including Motorsport Week.

“There’s been quite a lot of testing going on to reduce the spray from a tyre point of view, like a wheel cover, etc.

“I’m not too sure where we are at, but moving forward, we definitely need to find a way to reduce that spray, which then will allow us to race in wet conditions.

“At the moment, when the visibility is fine, there’s no need for the wet tyre. It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg kind of thing and they need to work on that.”

Pierre Gasly has called for dialogue on the situation in a bid to resolve the problem
Pierre Gasly has called for dialogue on the situation in a bid to resolve the problem

Bigger F1 cars have caused worse spray

Lance Stroll was similarly keen to ensure a resolution of the wet-weather anomaly is found, particularly as tracks such as Spa, due to the nature of its layout, exacerbate the problems.

The Canadian explained to media including Motorsport Week his belief that the evolution of F1 cars size-wise has also contributed hugely to the problem.

“I think the cars have gotten big, the tyres have gotten bigger, the spray has gotten worse over the years. That’s my feeling,” Stroll assessed.

“Visibility is the biggest issue now with the size of the cars and the tyres.

“Races like Spa with the nature of the track, Eau Rouge, going 300 kilometres per hour without seeing anything at the top of the hill – racing conditions like that are hard to go through with and then go racing.

“I don’t know if it’s gotten worse. It’s always been challenging. The spray is the biggest issue and the visibility.

“To go ahead with races like Spa, start earlier and race in proper wet conditions, we need to work on the visibility factor and how we can improve that.”

READ MOREWhy Pierre Gasly would take Alpine being last ‘every day of the week’ in F1 2025

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Why Pierre Gasly would take Alpine being last ‘every day of the week’ in F1 2025 https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/10/why-pierre-gasly-would-take-alpine-being-last-every-day-of-the-week-in-f1-2025/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/08/10/why-pierre-gasly-would-take-alpine-being-last-every-day-of-the-week-in-f1-2025/#comments Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:07:15 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=219330 Pierre Gasly has scored all of Alpine's 20 points this year

Pierre Gasly has admitted he would swap Alpine being last "every day of the week" this year for a 2026 F1 car to challenge for race wins.

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Pierre Gasly has scored all of Alpine's 20 points this year

Pierre Gasly has admitted he would swap Alpine being last “every day of the week” this year for a 2026 Formula 1 car to challenge for race wins.

The Frenchman has endured a difficult season, the Enstone-based squad‘s A525 challenger being largely uncompetitive through the campaign.

Alpine sits bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with a meagre 20 points, all scored by the Frenchman.

A tumultuous year has seen Team Principal Ollie Oakes resign, forcing Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore to take the reins and steady the ship.

Stability has hopefully taken shape in the form of Steve Nielsen taking over as Managing Director, the 61-year-old bringing a wealth of experience to the team.

When asked if Nielsen’s expertise might help Alpine overcome its issues this year, Gasly said his brief is really for next year, and admitted the current car is unlikely to improve.

“The reality of it is the car has been the same since Barcelona and will remain the same until the end of the year,” he told media including Motorsport Week.

“On one side, you’ve got to be objective and realistic on what’s achievable.

“Steve will arrive in September, and I think his impact and his work will be mainly seen in 2026 and beyond.

“Honestly, Steve’s got to focus on next year. We know all the work that we are putting for 2026. We are pleased with what we are doing and the evolution.

“I’m confident. I believe in the team and the fact that they’ll be able to give me a competitive car next year.”

Pierre Gasly will take being last "every day of the week" in exchange for a race-winning car in 2026
Pierre Gasly will take being last “every day of the week” in exchange for a race-winning car in 2026

Gasly admits Alpine short-term gains unlikely

Gasly’s personal form has at times been hugely impressive, managing a number of Q3 appearances and being the sole provider of the team’s points haul.

He appears content to ride out the remainder of this year with a car that is a regression of last year’s car, which took the team to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

“The reality of it is this season, this is what we have, and it’s going to be extremely difficult to change the position that we are in,” he admitted.

“It doesn’t mean we are doing a bad job at the track or back at the factory.

“We just haven’t been able to produce a car, in a season where the midfield is extremely tight, with the decisions we’ve made for ’26.”

The decision from Briatore to turn the team from a works outfit into a Mercedes customer may also reap rewards, giving them potential dark horse status for 2026.

Gasly conceded that there will not be much for him and the team to fight for this year, and will gladly swap a poor remainder of the season for a genuine chance for success in 2026.

“We haven’t been able to provide enough performance to fight for better than that,” he said, “which is fine because at the end of the day, whether you finish ninth or eighth or tenth in the championship, you’re still fighting for nothing pretty much.

“But if it gives you a car that can fight for race wins, podiums, top five next season, I’ll take that every day of the week.”

READ MOREWilliams outlines three factors behind resurgence in F1 2025

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Pierre Gasly envisages Christian Horner F1 return after Red Bull axe https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/30/pierre-gasly-envisages-christian-horner-f1-return-after-red-bull-axe/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/30/pierre-gasly-envisages-christian-horner-f1-return-after-red-bull-axe/#respond Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:09:08 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=217920 Pierre Gasly has backed Christian Horner to return to F1

Pierre Gasly believes Red Bull exit will not be the final chapter of Christian Horner's F1 career as he expects teams to be "interested" in his former boss' services.

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Pierre Gasly has backed Christian Horner to return to F1

Pierre Gasly believes Red Bull exit will not be the final chapter of Christian Horner’s Formula 1 career as he expects teams to be “interested” in his former boss’ services.

Gasly, who rose up the ranks of the Milton Keynes-based squad’s ladder, spent a brief spell under Horner at the main team in 2019 before getting the axe midway through the season.

The Briton himself saw the exit door earlier this month, after the Red Bull board decided to relieve him of his duties as Team Principal and CEO with immediate effect.

“I think his qualities are undoubtable because when you’ve got the number of championships in 20 years of career,” Gasly told media including Motorsport Week.

Horner’s exit has roused immense speculation about the 51-year-old’s future with the likes of Ferrari and Gasly’s own team Alpine being touted as staunch favourites to lap Horner up.

And the Frenchman is himself sure that the Briton will turn up in the paddock again very soon.

“You can only respect all the success with the team, and what he’s done with Red Bull Racing over there, it’s very remarkable and very impressive. He is very, very good at what he’s been doing with the team,” added the 29-year-old.

“I’m sure we’re gonna see him somewhere because with that sort of experience and skills, I’m sure some teams will be interested in Christian.”

Laurent Mekies has taken the helm at Red Bull
Laurent Mekies has taken the helm at Red Bull

Gasly opens up on Red Bull dynamic

Horner‘s departure was succeeded by sweeping changes at the helm of both Red Bull and sister outfit Racing Bulls.

Laurent Mekies, who had led the Faenza-based squad since 2024, was installed as Horner’s replacement with ex-Renault stalwart Alan Permane taking over the Frenchman’s duties.

Gasly went on to open up about his relationship with the duo of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and Horner – potentially shedding more light on the intra-team dynamics.

“I was closer to Helmut [Marko] just from the fact that it’s more the link between the drivers. Helmut came to coach me when I was 17. I signed a contract with him,” divulged Gasly.

“I got to know Christian a bit later through the process and being part of the academy side. 

“Less contact with him, but still some and for sure he has been doing very well with Red Bull.”

READ MORE – Pierre Gasly dismisses Valtteri Bottas to Alpine F1 rumours as ‘a lot of noise’

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Pierre Gasly dismisses Valtteri Bottas to Alpine F1 rumours as ‘a lot of noise’ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/18/pierre-gasly-dismisses-valtteri-bottas-to-alpine-f1-rumours-as-a-lot-of-noise/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/18/pierre-gasly-dismisses-valtteri-bottas-to-alpine-f1-rumours-as-a-lot-of-noise/#comments Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=216434 Pierre Gasly remains defiant amid Alpine’s tough season as he brushes off Valtteri Bottas rumours

Pierre Gasly has dismissed the Valtteri Bottas rumours swirling around the F1 paddock as “a lot of noise”, urging Alpine to focus on the real challenges ahead.

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Pierre Gasly remains defiant amid Alpine’s tough season as he brushes off Valtteri Bottas rumours

Pierre Gasly has dismissed the Valtteri Bottas rumours swirling around the Formula 1 paddock as “a lot of noise”, urging Alpine to focus on the real challenges ahead.

Despite a difficult start to the 2025 season, the Frenchman remains confident in his performances and the team’s long-term project.

After 12 rounds, Alpine remains rooted to the bottom of the Constructors’ standings with 19 points, 10 points behind Haas one place above.

Gasly has led the charge, with a standout sixth-place finish at Silverstone highlighting his efforts to extract the most from a struggling package.

On the other side of the garage, Franco Colapinto’s tough rookie campaign continued with a crash in qualifying and a DNS at Silverstone.

Still without a point, the Argentine faces growing pressure as speculation links Alpine with a move for Bottas.

Asked whether another experienced driver could help benchmark the team, Gasly dismissed the suggestion and insisted the focus should remain on the job at hand.

“I don’t think that’s the case – I think it’s a lot of noise,” he replied.

“I think the car, I’m showing every weekend what we can do with it, doing a very good job on Saturdays and putting it in places that on paper we all agree we should not really be.

“It’s just tricky, it’s a very tight midfield and we are at the back of it.

“There will always be noise, especially considering what happened earlier in the year, but I think at the end of the day, we should just focus on the work ahead.

“It’s going to be a long season. We don’t have upgrades, the car is not in the best place, but all of us need to focus on what we’ve got to do and try and do it the best way that we can.”

Pierre Gasly stays positive despite Alpine’s challenges and looks ahead to 2026
Pierre Gasly stays positive despite Alpine’s challenges

Gasly points to 2026 focus behind Alpine’s struggles

Gasly was also pressed on whether Alpine’s struggles are more down to the car than the drivers, and he acknowledged the razor-thin margins in the midfield have made the challenge even tougher.

“It’s easy to make it sound more dramatic than it is,” he explained. “I think it’s just a very tough field.

“You look a couple of years back, being eight [or] nine-tenths off the fastest car would put you sixth, seventh on the grid.

“This year, being eight [or] nine-tenths slower than the fastest car puts you on the back row.

“I think everyone has done a very good job, we know the strengths and weaknesses of our package.

“We don’t have the strongest car, we don’t have the strongest engine – both combined doesn’t put us in a very good spot.

“But I see a lot of good stuff happening in the team in terms of trying to get the maximum we can.

“We know the focus is on 2026, and it comes with some compromises this year, which are tough to take, but hopefully we see the dividends next year.”

READ MORE – The ‘weapon’ Alpine is pinning its hopes on to climb F1 order

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The ‘weapon’ Alpine is pinning its hopes on to climb F1 order https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/17/the-weapon-alpine-is-pinning-its-hopes-on-to-climb-f1-order/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/17/the-weapon-alpine-is-pinning-its-hopes-on-to-climb-f1-order/#respond Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:03:19 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=216297 Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A525. 06.07.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, England, Race Day

Alpine has already shifted focus to the 2026 F1 season, as it prepares to commence the regulation era as a Mercedes customer team, according to Pierre Gasly.

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Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A525. 06.07.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, England, Race Day

Alpine has already shifted focus to the 2026 Formula 1 season as it prepares to commence the regulation era as a Mercedes customer team, according to Pierre Gasly.

The Enstone-based squad has endured a tough 2025 so far, amassing 19 points from 12 races, all of which have been scored by the Frenchman.

Along with switching Jack Doohan for Franco Colapinto, as well as losing boss Oliver Oakes, the team was also rocked by the resignation of Renault Sport’s CEO, Luca de Meo.

But under the interim stewardship of Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, Alpine is looking forward to 2026 as it prepares to shed its works team status.

Gasly has confirmed that Alpine is now putting its resources into making the best car possible for next season, whilst attempting to maximise the A525’s potential.

“I wouldn’t say it’s difficult. I wouldn’t say it’s easy,” he said. “At the same time, I think we know our weaknesses and we know our strengths.

“And at the minute, it’s very much about maximising the strengths.

“A tenth at the moment can move you three or four positions up and down the grid, and that’s why we’ve got to focus on every single detail we can.

“The focus is going to be there. We know the car we have is going to be the car we have until the end of the year.

“The focus is on next year, and that’s our weapon, and we’ll try to get it in the best position we can every single time.”

Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team on the drivers' parade. 06.07.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 12, British Grand Prix, Silverstone, England, Race Day
Pierre Gasly’s impressive showings have helped galvanise Alpine

Gasly vows to ‘keep pushing’ team after splendid Silverstone

The topsy-turvy rain-affected British Grand Prix produced, amongst many grey clouds, a huge silver lining in the shape of sixth place for Gasly.

Changing weather conditions meant he was able to make the best of the package beneath him as the competition levelled, as he battled Max Verstappen for position.

When asked by Motorsport Week after the race whether he felt, given the circumstances, this was the best he has performed in his career, Gasly was unsure if he could quantify it, but said his results are helping to galvanise the team.

“I think it’s always difficult to gauge, but I know I’m performing at a very high level with the car that I have at the minute,” he answered. “Whether it’s my best or not, it’s always tricky.

“But I know at the moment there’s nothing else we can get out of it.I managed to do it yesterday, many times in Q1, Q2 and also in Q3.

“And then the same in the race today. I’m pleased.It’s not the first time I’m facing challenges in my career.

“I need to keep putting up and put my best every single time out there, even in difficult conditions.

“It motivates all the guys, but that’s what I am. I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior and I always keep pushing them.”

READ MORE Kimi Antonelli may find ‘temporary home’ at Alpine in fresh Mercedes plot twist – report

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Pierre Gasly admits something ‘doesn’t seem right’ with Red Bull second seat woe https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/13/pierre-gasly-admits-something-doesnt-seem-right-with-red-bull-second-seat-woe/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/07/13/pierre-gasly-admits-something-doesnt-seem-right-with-red-bull-second-seat-woe/#comments Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:14:16 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=215766 Pierre Gasly has admitted something isn't right with the second Red Bull seat

Pierre Gasly has suggested the repeated struggles of drivers in Red Bull’s second F1 seat stem from differing circumstances, not a single recurring problem.

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Pierre Gasly has admitted something isn't right with the second Red Bull seat

Pierre Gasly has suggested the repeated struggles of drivers in Red Bull’s second Formula 1 seat stem from differing circumstances, not a single recurring problem.

The Frenchman addressed the issue while voicing concern for former team-mate Yuki Tsunoda — the latest driver to face the pressure of partnering Max Verstappen.

Since replacing Liam Lawson just two rounds into the season, Tsunoda has failed to score points in seven of the 10 races he has contested, highlighting the continued difficulty of Red Bull’s second seat.

His current pointless streak reached five races after another poor showing at Silverstone as he slumped to a 15th-place finish — last of the classified runners and only driver to be lapped.

Tsunoda has consistently cited balance issues with the RB21 behind his lack of performances, while also taking some of the blame himself.

However, the recurring point raised is that no one has managed to match the level of the reigning World Champion — with Tsunoda, Lawson, Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo all struggling in the shadow of Max Verstappen.

But Gasly stressed that not all situations should be treated the same, as he sympathised with the tough spell Tsunoda is currently enduring.

“Yeah, I spoke with him beforehand,” he told media including Motorsport Week when asked if he was surprised to see the Japanese driver struggle.

“To be fair, I think we all get put in the same basket when it comes to the second car.

“But to me, things were very different to me than they were for Alex or they were for Perez. I’m not going to elaborate too much on that.

“Clearly, something is not clicking for Yuki. I just hope for him as a friend that somehow it comes together because the level there is on the grid.

“You know what everybody is capable of doing – it just doesn’t seem right.”

Pierre Gasly feels Max Verstappen has every right to explore options beyond Red Bull
Pierre Gasly feels Max Verstappen has every right to explore options beyond Red Bull

Gasly backs Verstappen amid Mercedes rumours

Gasly, who spent several years within the Red Bull system and partnered Verstappen briefly in 2019, was also asked whether he’s surprised by the increasing speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s future amid links to Mercedes.

“Surprised? Not really. Max, arguably, is the best driver on the grid,” he answered.

“Any driver wants the best car available and that’s not what he gets at the minute. I think it’s normal that he’d be looking at his options and looking at what’s possible.

“At the end of the day, he’s a four-time world champion. It’s down to him to do whatever he wants to do. I guess we’ll find out pretty soon.”

When questioned directly on whether he would entertain a return to Red Bull should an opportunity open up, the Alpine driver made clear where his priorities lie.

“I’m racing for Alpine and I want to win with Alpine,” he stressed.”

READ MORE — Pierre Gasly calls for unity at Alpine amid continued unrest

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Why negative ‘headlines’ are overshadowing ‘a lot of potential’ at Alpine https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/23/why-negative-headlines-are-overshadowing-a-lot-of-potential-at-alpine/ https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/06/23/why-negative-headlines-are-overshadowing-a-lot-of-potential-at-alpine/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:46:52 +0000 https://www.motorsportweek.com/?p=213373 Alpine languish last in the Constructors' Championship in 2025

Pierre Gasly believes the changes occurring at Alpine have taken the shine away from the strides being made behind the scenes at the team in F1.

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Alpine languish last in the Constructors' Championship in 2025

Pierre Gasly believes the changes occurring at Alpine have taken the shine away from the strides being made behind the scenes at the team in Formula 1.

The last couple of months have turned into a prolonged period of transition for the Anglo-French marque.

Rookie Jack Doohan was benched in favour of Franco Colapinto midway through the 2025 season, which preceded Oliver Oakes’ resignation as Team Principal.

Meanwhile, last week, Luca de Meo, CEO of the team’s parent organisation, Renault, also handed in his papers.

On track, the A525 has not delivered optimum results, too, with the Enstone-based team languishing 10th in the standings, 10 rounds into the championship.

Despite this, Gasly, who will have a Mercedes power unit in the back of his car for the first time in his career next season, is adamant the team has made progress, but its good work has been outdone by the media attention roused by the off-track “headlines”.

“The headlines are not really showing any of the good work that we’re seeing or that I’m seeing at the factory, or even within the racing team,” he told media including Motorsport Week.

“I think for me it’s important to keep the guys focusing on the actual work we’re doing behind closed doors, because that’s really good.”

Gasly isn’t planning on playing his trade in the midfield with Alpine for too long, either.

The Frenchman has set his sights on a maiden Drivers’ title for 2026 as Alpine transitions from a works outfit into a Mercedes customer team.

Alpine have been clear about how it also views the regulations reset as its best chance to move towards the front.

And so far, the 29-year-old sees a lot of potential in the foundations that have been laid down in preparation for the latest era of the sport.

“Obviously the noise outside is always going to be there, because when you have changes like that it’s always going to be talked about,” he conceded.

“But from what I’m seeing at the factory and the people working together, the staff, the new people coming in, there is a lot of potential.”

Pierre Gasly is convinced Alpine is making good progress behind the scenes
Pierre Gasly is convinced Alpine is making good progress behind the scenes

Gasly hedges bet on Alpine for 2026 title run

Flavio Briatore has found himself at the helm of the team once again after Oakes’ exit.

The Italian was instrumental to the team’s championship success with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso in the mid-1990s and early 2000s, respectively.

Gasly hopes to see a similar turnaround in the squad’s fortunes. From what he has seen so far, the 75-year-old has already started aligning the team’s focus towards a run up the grid.

“Flavio has brought a lot with him and as you say I think the directions are very clear and we’ll see some rewards and dividends over the next few weeks and months,” he predicted.

“I’m very hopeful for next season, but I think it’s just important that we move on from this special week and just focus on the business as usual.”

READ MORE Mercedes to bring more F1 upgrades to Austria in bid to sustain Canada breakthrough

 

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