Pierre Gasly has stated that significant performance improvement for the Alpine F1 Team will not materialise immediately. The team heads to the Hungaroring for Round 11 of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship, aiming to secure points before the summer break. Gasly acknowledged that recent weeks have presented increased challenges for Alpine.
Rivals have made it more difficult for the Enstone-based squad to compete within the top ten during both qualifying sessions and on race days. Gasly expressed disappointment at not scoring points at the previous Belgian Grand Prix. He noted the Hungaroring presents a distinct challenge compared to Silverstone or Spa-Francorchamps.
Alpine underwent a substantial strategic shift for the 2026 season. The team transitioned from utilising Renault works engines to becoming a customer of Mercedes for its power units. This decision followed Renault’s withdrawal as an engine manufacturer at the close of the 2025 season.
The change allowed Alpine to reallocate resources towards chassis development. This aggressive commitment to the 2026 project aimed to leverage the new regulatory framework. Alpine finished last in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship.
However, the team has shown improved standing in the current 2026 season. After four rounds, Alpine occupied fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, accumulating 23 points. This marks a notable progression from their previous season’s performance.
Pierre Gasly has consistently scored points in every round of the 2026 season, including sprint events, as of late June. He suggested that while Alpine has lost ground to front-running teams recently, reliability issues for other competitors have masked this performance dip.
Technical Director David Sanchez outlined a new philosophy for the A526 challenger. The focus has shifted from a ‘peak downforce’ approach to prioritising driveability, balance, and achieving the new 770kg minimum weight limit. Sanchez indicated the team started from scratch on the A526.
Alpine also strengthened its technical leadership in May 2026 with the appointment of Jason Somerville as Deputy Technical Director. Somerville, formerly the FIA’s head of aerodynamics, played a key role in shaping the 2026 F1 regulations. He reports directly to Executive Technical Director David Sanchez.
Gasly committed his long-term future to Alpine by extending his contract until the end of the 2028 season. This agreement was announced in September 2025. He stated his belief that Alpine can provide him with a car capable of fighting at the front from 2026.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, expressed confidence in Gasly as the lead driver for the team’s push into the new era. Gasly’s performance includes two podium finishes with Alpine, at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix and the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The Hungaroring circuit is known for its tight, twisting layout, often compared to a go-kart track. It demands high downforce and places a premium on mechanical grip and aerodynamic balance. Overtaking opportunities are limited on this circuit.
Esteban Ocon secured Alpine’s first Formula 1 victory at the Hungaroring in a dramatic wet-dry race in 2021. This historical context highlights the circuit’s potential for unexpected outcomes.
Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto form Alpine’s current driver line-up. Gasly’s immediate focus remains on executing small details and maximising the team’s results at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix.
