Alpine approaches the Monaco Grand Prix with a mix of renewed confidence and caution, buoyed by its best collective result of the season at the recent Canadian Grand Prix.
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On the most legendary and most unforgiving track on the calendar, the objective is simple for the French team: to extend its positive momentum and continue to score points.
For Pierre Gasly, Monaco remains a special event. Between the history of the circuit, its prestige, and the unique intensity of qualifying, the Frenchman considers the event one of the highlights of the season.
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“I can’t wait to be in Monaco this weekend, it’s one of my favorite Grands Prix of the year,” Gasly said in the pre-race statement published by Alpine. “It’s a circuit steeped in history and prestige, and it’s always a privilege to drive a Formula 1 car there. “
The French driver believes that qualifying represents the most intense moment of the weekend: “Qualifying is obviously a highlight for us, the drivers. That’s where we’re totally on the limit and we feel that unique adrenaline rush that very few people can experience.”
Despite the positive outcome in Canada, Gasly reminds us that not everything was perfect: “We’re coming off the best collective result of the season with a good haul of points. That’s very positive, but we also know that the weekend was far from simple for several reasons.”
To continue his progress, the Frenchman spent several days at the Enstone factory: ” I spent time in the simulator with the engineers to work on several aspects and improve my comfort in the car. We worked hard to be ready for this double Monaco-Barcelona event.”
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And if Gasly is in a particularly light mood this week, it’s also thanks to football: “I arrive with a smile after PSG’s new Champions League title. That made me very happy and I hope to feel the same satisfaction after a good weekend on track. “
A studious birthday for Colapinto
For Franco Colapinto, Monaco has a special flavor. Residing in the Principality, the Argentinian closely followed the gradual transformation of the city’s streets into a Grand Prix circuit.
After an encouraging Canada, he also aims for another points finish: “It’s been a very busy but very positive week for the team after Montreal. As early as the Monday after the race, I was in the simulator. Then, I made a quick stop in Paris for my birthday before returning to Enstone to continue the preparation.”
The 22-year-old driver is particularly excited to discover Monaco with the new 2026 single-seaters: “It’s one of the best weekends of the year. The street circuit is incredibly exciting with the walls so close. I can’t wait to see what it will be like with these lighter and more agile cars.”
The return to a classic format, after several Sprint weekends, is also seen as an advantage: “For the first time since Suzuka, we’re back to a traditional weekend. This will allow us to gradually build our confidence session after session.”
And as often in Monaco, Colapinto knows where the essential will be played out: “That’s the key to arriving in qualifying ready to attack to the maximum. In Monaco, overtaking is extremely difficult, so Saturday is probably the most important day of the entire season.”