Despite Alpine’s return to form at the start of the 2026 season, Pierre Gasly refuses any form of satisfaction. The Frenchman pushes his team to aim higher and to directly challenge the top contenders on the grid rather than settling for dominating the midfield.
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Pierre Gasly does not want to hear about modest goals. After his solid seventh place in Japan, where he held off Max Verstappen for many laps, the Frenchman clearly shows his ambitions for the rest of the 2026 F1 season.
“I think we have two options: look behind and make sure to stay at the front of the midfield… or look ahead,” he explains. Personally, I am more interested in the battle ahead.”
A strong statement that perfectly illustrates his mindset, as Alpine has repositioned itself in the hierarchy after a disastrous 2025 season.
Red Bull and McLaren in the sights
For Gasly, the gaps are not as big as they may seem.
“Red Bull was clearly within our reach in China. In Australia, the gap was a bit bigger, but even McLaren was not that far off in pure pace” he asserts.
An observation that fuels his ambitions, especially since Alpine has already made a significant step forward. Thanks notably to the switch to the Mercedes engine, the French team now ranks fifth in the constructors’ championship.
With 15 of the team’s 16 points to his name, Gasly establishes himself as the true leader of this revival.
Real progress… but insufficient
Despite this positive momentum, the Frenchman refuses to be satisfied.
“I feel there is still potential. When entering a season, I always want the best” he explains.
He emphasizes the difficulty of settling for a mid-position: “What is difficult in Formula 1 is being satisfied with being in the midfield or even at the front of the midfield, because you always see that some are doing better.”
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A clear-headed discourse, highlighting a constant demand despite the progress made by the Enstone team.
A solid base to aim for the top 10
Gasly is nevertheless confident in the A526’s ability to regularly score points.
“I am quite confident in having a car that allows me to fight in the top 10” he assures.
He acknowledges, however, that the hierarchy can vary depending on the circuits: “There will be weekends where some cars will be better, but I think we have a good base.”
A stability that could allow Alpine to continue progressing throughout the season.
“Aim for the right target”: the message is clear
In the end, Gasly’s message is clear. Alpine must not mistake its goal.
“I just want the team to focus on the right target, which is to join the front group and gradually reduce the gap” he states.
An assumed ambition, reflecting a new dynamic within the French team… and perhaps the beginning of a lasting return to the front.
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