Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Pierre Gasly has underlined that several areas require “improvements” at Alpine F1 Team ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne, despite describing himself as “feeling positive” after pre-season testing.
The 2026 campaign marks a significant transition for Alpine, now running as a customer of Mercedes AMG Petronas after relinquishing its previous works power unit status. Gasly completed the sixth-highest lap total across the Barcelona shakedown and the two official Bahrain tests, and ended the final three days in Sakhir eighth fastest overall.
He described the pre-season as “unusual” due to the extended track running permitted under the new regulatory cycle. With more than 1,000 laps logged in the A526, Alpine sits mid-pack in terms of mileage, providing a substantial dataset ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
“It has been a very busy month for us, something which, in February of any Formula 1 season, is quite unusual,” Gasly said following the conclusion of testing.
“We have had 10 on-track days already in the A526 across Silverstone, Barcelona and Bahrain, and I am definitely feeling ready and excited to go racing once again.”
“Normally at this stage we have about a day and a half in the car before the first race. This time we’ve had four and a half days, and with a new car that is extremely important because there is so much to learn and understand.”
Alpine finished last in the 2025 constructors’ standings, and while the early testing indicators suggest a more stable platform for 2026, Gasly emphasised that further development is essential if the team is to move up the order.
“I am pleased with our work in the last month. It has been an incredible effort from everyone at the team.”
“We have a lot to analyse, and there are certainly a number of areas where we need to work hard to find improvements.”
“I am feeling positive and will spend two days at Enstone next week on the simulator and with the team to prepare for Australia.”
With the new regulation cycle underway, Alpine’s trajectory will depend heavily on early-season development efficiency and its ability to translate testing mileage into consistent race performance.
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