Pierre Gasly’s pole position at Monza could serve as a good example for Audi – Allan McNish explains that the team must be ready to capitalise on such opportunities
At the Italian Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly delivered what was perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far. The Frenchman secured first place on the grid for Alpine at Monza, marking the first pole position this year not to go to McLaren or the Mercedes works team.
Although Gasly was unable to hold onto that position in the race and finished ‘only’ seventh on Sunday, the other midfield teams were, of course, watching very closely. “We’re focusing primarily on our direct rivals – that is, those we’re battling against in the midfield,” explains Audi’s racing director Allan McNish.
And one has to say “objectively” that Alpine were consistently quick throughout Saturday at Monza. “It wasn’t just one lap in Q3. They were very quick throughout. So it was no great surprise that they made it through to the final segment of qualifying,” says McNish.
Whilst Audi itself, as expected, struggled on the high-speed Monza circuit, Alpine managed to get both cars into Q3. However, the fact that Gasly then went on to secure pole position there came as a surprise even to McNish. “ I think they were, and probably everyone else too,” he emphasised.
Gasly’s pole position was particularly impressive, “because he didn’t have much slipstream,” explained McNish. However, this isn’t a cause for concern at Audi. “It simply shows you how quickly things change and how quickly opportunities arise,” emphasised McNish.
“As a team, you have to be ready to seize these opportunities when they arise. When such an opportunity presents itself, you have to be able to capitalise on it. And that, I think, is the lesson I’ve learnt from this,” said the Audi race director.
“And that’s exactly what we discussed back at the team: There was an opportunity for Alpine, and they took it,” says McNish, adding that Audi’s goal must be to put itself in a position to achieve such results.
“Hopefully, the time will come for us too when we can do the same and benefit from it,” says McNish. Most recently, Audi has been a regular top-10 contender in Formula 1. In the past six races, they have finished in the points five times. The only race during this period where they failed to score points was at Monza.
From 2030, Audi aims to be in a position to compete for the world championship title in the premier class. Along the way, it hopes to secure its first pole position and first victory at some point.
