Pierre Gasly has demanded his Alpine team ensure its standards "are as high as they need to be" over the final races of 2025 before the major rule changes coming in for next season.
Alpine has slipped to the rear of the F1 field in the final year of the current regulations, with its Renault power unit also underpowered compared to rivals', but the team is changing to a Mercedes customer supply for next season.
Gasly has not scored points since a 10th place in Belgium, with Alpine rooted to the bottom of the constructors', 26 behind Haas in ninth, as attention has turned at Enstone to ensuring the team is ready to capitalise on the major opportunities presented by the rules overhaul for next season.
Explaining how he is continuing to lead the team through the difficult end to the current rules set, Gasly has explained how he is ensuring the team will be in a position to be challenging.
"I'm very realistic about the situation we are in, and objectively, what I care about the most is just feeling that we are getting everything out of the package we have, which hasn't been the case over these last three weekends,” he told media including RacingNews365.
"We've worked really hard and figured things out that weren't working properly, so the main focus for me is to make sure that over these last six races, the standards are as high as they need to be for us to be ready for next year.
"I have high expectations from the team, they know it, and I'm very optimistic for the right reasons.
"I literally don't care about whether I like [the new regulations] or not, I just want to be at the front of the grid. It's probably not going to be as enjoyable as the car we're driving now, but I'm not enjoying being P17 every weekend.
"I just care about the performance and being at the front of the grid, and that is what I am working for. I know mentally I am ready for it, and I've been working for all the years I've been in Formula 1 to be in a position like that.”
A major change for Alpine in the sport's new era will be the end of its own power unit programme, as it takes on Mercedes engines.
Gasly believes the change, as well as the hiring of various new people, puts the team in a strong position to compete.
"It is the best opportunity I've had as a driver but also for the team over the last couple of years to really make that step to the front of the grid.
"We have a lot of belief in all the changes we are making, with quite a big change in power unit manufacturer, and all the processes we are changing and with the new people coming together, there is something coming together.
"The position we are in gives us an advantage in terms of wind-tunnel time, so on paper, we are in an advantageous position against our rivals, and I believe the team can make the best of it, from all the decisions we made earlier in the season."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the US GP and look ahead to this weekend's race in Mexico City. Max Verstappen being a serious threat for McLaren is the lead discussion, after his perfect performance.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!