AUSTIN, Texas

One year back, Alpine began a notable chapter in Austin.

The Enstone-based F1 team found itself struggling at the back of the grid, aiming to make it to Q3 and earn some points. When they arrived in Austin, they held the ninth position in the constructors’ championship standings, having gathered only 13 points.

For the 2024 American Grand Prix, Alpine rolled out an upgrade package. Pierre Gasly managed to enter Q3 and start the main event from seventh place. While no points were scored that Sunday, it sparked some hope for Alpine.

The following week, Gasly finished 10th at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and soon after, the team accomplished a remarkable turnaround with a double podium finish for Gasly and Esteban Ocon at the São Paulo Grand Prix, ultimately wrapping up in sixth.

Now, Alpine has started to shift its attention toward 2026. With a series of regulatory changes on the horizon, this year isn’t likely to bring any better standings. As they arrived in Austin, the team was once again near the rear, with Gasly’s 20 points being the only score they had so far this season.

Despite these challenges, there’s a renewed sense of optimism within Gasly’s team about their collective future.

“I’m quite realistic about where we stand. It’s taken me a while to be at peace with this situation, focusing on what’s within my control and doing my best for the team,” Gasly shared with the media. “What matters most is that we’re maximizing the potential of the package we have.”

He noted that this hasn’t been the case over the last few weekends, indicating they’ve been putting in effort to fix the issues with their car. “My primary focus is to elevate our performance in these remaining six races and prepare for next year,” he added.

Looking ahead, Gasly believes the team possesses the right components and talent to seize upcoming opportunities.

“I have set high expectations for the team, and they’re aware of that,” he commented. “I feel optimistic for valid reasons.”

Gasly further emphasized how the transition to a new power unit supplier is a significant shift for them. Next season, Alpine will become a customer team of Mercedes. He expressed confidence in the changes being made and the new personnel coming onboard at the factory, suggesting that something good is brewing.

Additionally, he pointed out that finishing last in the constructors’ championship could actually provide them with more wind tunnel testing time next season.

“Sadly, our current position gives us an edge regarding wind tunnel time next year,” the Alpine driver noted. “So, if you analyze our situation, we might have an advantage over our competitors, and I believe the team can capitalize on it.”

Gasly mentioned that the most recent major upgrade took place at the Spanish Grand Prix in early June, after which the focus shifted to 2026.

“We understand what’s been hindering the A525’s performance, but the solutions will arise with its successor, the A526,” he remarked.

“We haven’t been able to overcome the challenges that have limited our performance. But we know the package well; we understand the barriers and what we want to revamp. Still, it doesn’t makes sense to chase fixes this year,” Gasly explained.

“That said, there are ways to enhance our situation for next year. I firmly believe improvements are on the way. And when you look at qualifying times, we’re not talking about being two seconds off—everyone is within eight-tenths of each other.”

“We’re aware of where that eight-tenths lies within the car, and we know the adjustments we need to make based on the team’s vision for change,” he added.

“I’m confident we can reclaim a significant portion of the performance we’re lacking. So I’m quite hopeful, because we understand the underlying issues and have a plan to address them.”

“Will that fix everything? That’s uncertain. But will things improve? Absolutely. Looking into next year, I’m optimistic that our preparations will put us in a solid position,” he expressed.

While he’s focusing on brighter days ahead, Gasly acknowledged that this season hasn’t exactly been enjoyable. Despite many difficulties with the A525, he still sees it as a true F1 car.

“Sure, the car may be slow at times, but it’s still an F1 car with exceptional downforce— the fastest on the planet. Even when you don’t win, driving it is still exhilarating,” he remarked.

“I would love to drive it every day if that were possible; that’s what makes it fun,” he added.

At heart, he believes that better days are on the horizon.