Alpine's Gasly '100%' shares Briatore's optimism for 2026

MONTREAL - Alpine acting team principal Flavio Briatore isn't the only one optimistic about the future, as team driver Pierre Gasly also believes the French outfit could make a big leap in 2026 when Formula 1 ushers in new regulations.

"One hundred percent," Gasly told theScore at the Canadian Grand Prix.

"At the moment, you got the top four: McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes - they are just a step ahead of the midfield. It will take quite a bit of time to close the gap. I think starting from a brand new page, like with this regulation, it just gives much bigger opportunity and potentially much bigger rewards for any team for next year."

Briatore said in May that he expects Alpine to collect wins in 2026 and hopes to be in title contention in 2027, an ambitious outlook for a team that's won one race since 2021.

Much of the hopefulness stems from a fresh start under new chassis, aerodynamic, and engine regulations, plus Alpine's decision to ditch its Renault engine for a Mercedes power unit starting next year. However, Gasly warned that "there's no guarantee" Mercedes will have the best engine despite its successful track record.

The 29-year-old added that he's encouraged by what he's seen from the factory so far but acknowledged that the pecking order won't be revealed until the first tests next season.

"The focus has got to be there," Gasly said. "I think we are in good shape. I'm happy the way the guys are working in the factory. Everybody is very full of confidence, optimism, and motivation to really get the car in a great place for next year. But at the same time, we won't have the answer until we put the car down. It's such a big change, trying it in the simulator, it's such a massive change."

Alpine enters the Canadian Grand Prix sitting last in the constructors' standings with 11 points, all scored by Gasly.