Why Alpine's Focus on 2026 with Mercedes Power Could Pay Off
2025 was a challenging year for Alpine, marked by a shift in focus to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations and a decision to abandon the development of the A525. Despite a disappointing season, there were some silver linings. Pierre Gasly's performances stood out, showcasing his growth as a team leader and his ability to capitalize on rare opportunities.
Gasly's Perspective
"I’ve scored the least amount of points in my F1 career, but personally I feel I’ve put in a strong performance. It doesn’t really bring any satisfaction, so I’m just very happy to move away from this year," Gasly said at the end of the season. While his sentiment reflects the results, it doesn't capture the full story. Alpine and Gasly are eager to move on, but they also recognize the valuable lessons learned.
Operational Strengths Revealed
The team's operational strengths emerged despite the poor car performance. Gasly highlighted the importance of honest communication and self-assessment within the team, fostering a more objective view of their strengths and areas for improvement.
"Communication and awareness of what we’ve got to improve, what we’re good at, and how we can become even better. I think we’ve tried to push all that stuff as much as we could within the limitations of the package we had this year," he said.
The team's exploration of operational limits, driven by the lack of outright pace, led to deeper analysis and more effective mapping and setup. This approach, according to Gasly, is the best work he's done with the team.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With a new engine from Mercedes and the lessons learned from 2025, Alpine is optimistic about the future. Gasly emphasizes the importance of adapting to regulation changes and focusing on being at the front of the field.
"I don’t enjoy being in the position I was in last season, and I know I will enjoy being at the front of the field," he said. "Even if the racing wouldn’t be the most entertaining, we would still be the best of everyone driving these cars, right?"
The team's positive outlook is evident, and they hope to build on the operational rewards of a challenging season. With a new engine, Alpine aims to make a significant step forward in 2026, marking a new era for the team.
