Pierre Gasly Targets Alpine Step vs Rivals 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Pierre Gasly has set a clear target for Alpine F1 Team to increase competitiveness and apply pressure on McLaren and Ferrari during the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Alpine strategically sacrificed its 2025 campaign to redirect resources toward developing its 2026 car under the new technical regulations. Early indicators suggest gradual progress, with the team collecting 15 points across the opening three rounds through Gasly’s consistent performances, placing them fifth in the constructors’ standings.

Like its rivals, Alpine is utilising the April break to intensify factory development, aiming to return to racing with improved performance. However, Gasly emphasised that meaningful gains will not materialise immediately, but rather through a structured and incremental development process.

Baca JugaPierre Gasly Targetkan Alpine Tekan Rival 2026

"It’s not going to happen over the course of one month," Gasly said.

"But I’d like to see ourselves, after the summer break, being more of a player in that group with McLaren and Ferrari."

Gasly referenced performance data from the Japanese Grand Prix as a benchmark for the current gap. Alpine trailed by approximately seven seconds over 28 laps, equating to a deficit of roughly three to four tenths per lap compared to its direct competitors in the upper midfield.

"In Japan, it was seven seconds over 28 laps, so you're looking at three or four tenths per lap."

"That’s where we need to focus. We know what we’ve got to improve, which is a positive."

A key structural change for Alpine this season is the switch from its in-house Renault power unit to a Mercedes engine. Gasly highlighted that this move removes a major variable from the performance equation, allowing the team to concentrate on chassis and aerodynamic development.

"We know we don’t need to worry about the power unit—we have the best available."

"Our focus is entirely on the chassis and what we can improve. We have a good package, but it needs to be better."

With a stable power unit foundation and a clearer development direction on the chassis side, Alpine is targeting a measurable performance step in the second half of the season. Achieving this objective will be critical in determining whether the team can integrate into a tighter competitive battle with McLaren and Ferrari as the 2026 campaign enters its decisive phase.