Pierre Gasly offers major Alpine 2026 boost despite 'issues' concern

Pierre Gasly has offered a major boost ahead of the new power unit regulations, insisting Alpine's current progress and data is "very encouraging" but warns everyone will face "issues".

Next season marks one of the biggest regulation changes in Formula 1 history, leaving all teams with a conundrum of when to switch focus to 2026. 

For Alpine, there is the additional challenge of losing its factory status, as it will become a Mercedes customer outfit from next year. 

Gasly will remain with the Enstone-based outfit for at least the first campaign of the new regulations, due to his contract not expiring until the end of 2026; however, the second seat remains available. 

The current season has been a troubling one for Alpine, despite Gasly excelling in a difficult package. It finds itself comfortably last in the constructors' standings. 

However, Gasly has maintained a close watch on the new regulations, recognising it could represent an opportunity for him to become world champion.

Alpine has also been busy preparing for F1's new era, resulting in some sacrifice having been made in 2025. According to Gasly, its strategy appears to be working.

Asked for Alpine's progress ahead of the new regulations, Gasly said during an exclusive RacingNews365 interview: "Yeah, I started working already for '26 so obviously, always kept, like a close eye on it. I understand all the progress and evolution and how happy we are. 

"I think so far from what I've seen, I must say, just from a team's point of view, a structure point of view at the factory, from the motivation from the results we are seeing for next year, everything's very encouraging. 

"Obviously, you don't know what the others are doing and on such a big regulation change, it's difficult to understand where the benchmark might be. 

"But on our side, compared to what the targets are for the team, we very much align with it. And it's obviously a massive change. 

"I'm sure we're going to arrive in January, and a lot of issues are going to appear from having completely new cars, new engine, etc. But I must say, I'm quite impressed so far from what I've seen from the team."