Gasly Backs Alpine's 2026 Gamble: 'Much Brighter Days Are Coming'
After years of turmoil, Pierre Gasly is bullish on Alpine's future, fully endorsing the team's all-in approach to the 2026 regulations. He believes the 'much brighter days' are finally coming for the Enstone squad.
Pierre Gasly is expressing his most confident outlook yet for Alpine, declaring that the team's turbulent period is over and "much brighter days are coming." The French driver fully supports the squad's strategic decision to sacrifice short-term results to focus entirely on the 2026 regulation reset. This long-term vision has him more optimistic about his future with the team than ever before.
Why it matters:
Gasly's public endorsement is a significant signal of stability and direction for a team that has been plagued by leadership changes and inconsistent performance since its strong 2022 campaign. For a driver of his caliber to express such confidence suggests Alpine's aggressive 2026 project is gaining real traction, potentially positioning them to challenge the established frontrunners and reshape the midfield battle in the coming years.
The details:
- Gasly openly admitted the team has been "quite far from our expectations" since he joined in 2023, citing constant changes in management and team structure that felt like "a fresh start" every year.
- He was a proponent of shifting focus early, stating, "Just forget about this year... just start working on 2026." He accepts being 10th in the championship as a necessary sacrifice for a shot at the front.
- Confidence in Personnel: Gasly praised the current Enstone staff, saying, "we must have some of the best technical staff on the grid," a key factor in his renewed belief.
- He is "very excited" about the upcoming switch to Mercedes power units in 2026, noting, "From what I’m hearing, the engine is in a great place."
What's next:
Gasly is determined to be ready when Alpine provides a competitive car, viewing the 2026 reset as his best chance to fight at the front alongside drivers like Leclerc, Norris, and Russell. He closed the book on his Red Bull past, stating, "The chapter's closed," and is now fully focused on the future with Alpine. The driver believes the shared struggles have forged a strong, unified team ready to capitalize when their "better times" arrive.