The 2026 Formula 1 season is approaching, and Pierre Gasly has expressed his excitement about Alpine’s new partnership with Mercedes, setting clear goals for the future. Alpine has undergone several changes in recent years, and the last season was no exception. The official 2025 lineup featured Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan, but after just six races, Doohan was replaced by Franco Colapinto. Gasly remained the constant, scoring all of the team’s points throughout the season.
For 2026, the Enstone-based team will face another major change. Renault announced in 2024 that it would no longer supply engines to Alpine. Mercedes will take over as the team’s power unit provider, and Pierre Gasly, in an interview with the official F1 website, shared his enthusiasm and ambitions for the upcoming season.
A new challenge for Alpine
According to Pierre Gasly, 2026 will mark “a new chapter” for Alpine with Mercedes. The French driver also acknowledged the hard work done by Renault over the years: “First of all, I think it’s important for me to thank everyone who has worked at Viry-Chatillon, and all those involved on the engine side.”
He continued: “Now we are opening a new chapter with Mercedes, and looking at their record, the number of times they’ve been World Champions, I’m sure it’s going to be a great adventure. I won’t lie, I’m very excited about this. From what I’ve heard, the engine is in excellent condition, so I’m really looking forward to that first test and to experiencing what it means to have Mercedes power behind us.”
Alpine has never hidden that much of their 2025 work focused on preparing the 2026 car, even if it meant some sacrifices during the current season. Pierre Gasly added: “I have very high expectations for us as a team next year. We made tactical sacrifices in 2025 to reward ourselves by starting 2026 on the right foot. This is what I expect from us, and this is what I believe we can achieve, given the people we have and the work we’re doing.”
Pierre Gasly’s goal for the coming season is clear: “Next year, I want to fight at the front of the grid. As of now, I see no reason why we shouldn’t be right up there.”
With the proven reliability and performance of the Mercedes Power Unit combined with Alpine’s redesigned chassis, the team hopes to leapfrog the midfield. For Pierre Gasly, the 2026 regulations represent the best opportunity to prove that Alpine can finally compete with the sport’s elite constructors.
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