Pierre Gasly is Alpine’s lifeline, but he’s fighting for scraps in the midfield – he’s certain that things would be different in a top team
If his teammates had scored the same number of points, Alpine would be three places higher in the standings – but neither Jack Doohan nor Franco Colapinto have been able to contribute anything of note so far. As a result, Alpine is currently almost entirely dependent on Gasly’s strong performances.
He himself is satisfied with his performances this year, which have already seen him qualify for Q3 seven times and most recently finish sixth at Silverstone. “I’ve always said that if you ask me about pure performance, give me a stronger car and I can compete for victory in a race like this,” he emphasizes.
“But of course, when you finish sixth, it never gives you the same satisfaction as a podium or a race win. Nevertheless, I know what I’m working for and I know my goal,” says Gasly. He would just like to fight for better positions.
Best chance in 2026?
“But sure, there are also races where I personally drive at my highest level – and finish fifteenth. And that goes completely unnoticed. But over the years, I’ve learned that that’s just the way this sport is. You have to do your work in the background. And I know 100 percent that at some point, all these efforts will be rewarded with more trophies.”
Maybe as early as next year? Gasly will continue to drive for Alpine in 2026 and hopes that the new regulations will help the team make the right leap forward. “I’m aware that next year is probably my best chance – also for us as a team to really mix it up at the front. That’s what we have to focus on,” he says.
Until then, however, Gasly will have to make do with the current A525 and try to hand the red lantern over to the competition. With performances like the one at Silverstone, that seems possible, but the nearest competitor is already ten points ahead. And results like the ones in Great Britain are unlikely to be repeated too often.
Still with a difficult car in 2025
“It’s a difficult car to drive,” explains Gasly. “We know that I can really push to the limit and get everything out of it over one lap with fresh tires at their peak. But we slide a lot, and that leads to tire degradation in the race. Then we simply can’t maintain the performance we sometimes show in qualifying.”
“But with such a close field, I’m happy that we’re consistently making it into Q2,” Gasly continues. “It’s often about minimal differences, but it’s important to set the lap when it counts.”
“The predictions for qualifying don’t see us far ahead at the moment, but it’s about getting the maximum out of it. And if others can’t do that and you’re always up there at the front, something will come of it at some point. That’s also the goal for the second half of the season.”
