Gasly recalls career-defining pressure ahead of Alpine's Mercedes era

Pierre Gasly has revealed the immense pressure of a 'make-or-break' 2013 season that ultimately defined his F1 trajectory, a resilience he now carries into his hopes for Alpine's 2026 future with Mercedes power units. The Frenchman described the junior formula championship, where the winner took home €500,000 and the runner-up got nothing, as the most stressful moment of his entire career.

Why it matters:

Gasly's story highlights the brutal, high-stakes nature of motorsport's junior ranks, where a single season can make or break a career. His ability to overcome that early adversity and secure a crucial Red Bull Junior contract showcases the mental fortitude required to succeed in F1. This past experience now fuels his high expectations for Alpine's ambitious 2026 project.

The details:

• The 2013 Formula Renault 2.0 season came down to a final-race showdown with Oliver Rowland, with a massive €500,000 prize on the line for the winner.
• In a dramatic finale, Rowland, who needed to win the title, collided with Gasly, spinning him around. Rowland recovered to finish sixth and clinch the championship.
• Despite the loss, Gasly's season was impressive enough to earn him a meeting with Dr. Helmut Marko, though it was a harsh one. Marko told him he "didn't win enough races" or do enough pole positions.
• The turning point: Despite the tough feedback, Gasly was still awarded a contract with the Red Bull Junior Team, a pivotal moment that launched his journey toward Formula 1.

What's next:

Now a seasoned F1 driver, Gasly is channeling that same fighting spirit toward Alpine's future. He is openly excited about the team's 2026 partnership with Mercedes.

• He expressed gratitude to the outgoing Renault engine staff at Viry-Chatillon but is thrilled by the prospect of having "Merc horsepower" behind him, noting the engine is "in a great place."
• Gasly has set a clear goal: to be "fighting at the front of the grid" in 2026, believing the team's "tactical sacrifices" in 2025 will pay off and put them in a position to compete for wins from the outset of the new regulations.